key to
phrasal verb
keyed to; keying to; keys to
chiefly US
1
: to make (something) suitable for (a particular use or type of person)
I try to key my lectures to my audience.
—often used as (be) keyed toThe educational program is keyed to the needs of working women.
2
: to change (something) in a way that is closely related to (something else)
—usually used as (be) keyed to
The amount of money they receive is keyed to the rate of inflation.
Examples of key to in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
One question expected to be answered involves Wednesday’s mysterious aunt, Ophelia, who could be key to unlocking her dark family past.
—
Griff Griffin, MSNBC Newsweek, 5 Dec. 2025
What’s your key to consistently scoring a nod in this field?
—Lyndsey Havens, Billboard, 5 Dec. 2025
Ian Roberts, 66, won the keys to the spectacular six-bedroom country home in Yorkshire as well as over $668,000 (£500,000) in cash after spending just over $33 (£25) as part of his Omaze subscription.
—Becca Longmire, PEOPLE, 5 Dec. 2025
Sabotage and subterfuge are key to achieving victory against a big totalitarian regime.
—Fran Ruiz, Space.com, 5 Dec. 2025
See All Example Sentences for key to
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Griff Griffin, MSNBC Newsweek, 5 Dec. 2025
What’s your key to consistently scoring a nod in this field?
—Lyndsey Havens, Billboard, 5 Dec. 2025
Ian Roberts, 66, won the keys to the spectacular six-bedroom country home in Yorkshire as well as over $668,000 (£500,000) in cash after spending just over $33 (£25) as part of his Omaze subscription.
—Becca Longmire, PEOPLE, 5 Dec. 2025
Sabotage and subterfuge are key to achieving victory against a big totalitarian regime.
—Fran Ruiz, Space.com, 5 Dec. 2025
See All Example Sentences for key to
Cite this Entry
“Key to.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/key%20to. Accessed 8 Dec. 2025.
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