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
On the other hand, the Panthers haven’t truly been able to establish the run in a month, and that was the key to dominating the possession battle and keeping the ball away from Sean McVay’s offense.
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Scott Fowler, Charlotte Observer, 10 Jan. 2026
Tech companies have also been chasing the next big product following the smartphone and think AI could be key to finding it.
—Lisa Eadicicco, CNN Money, 10 Jan. 2026
That idea of shiny surfaces is key to Cathy’s character and costumes.
—Radhika Seth, Vogue, 10 Jan. 2026
The key to caring for bending branches is to simply support them; don’t try to push them back upright.
—Megan Hughes, Better Homes & Gardens, 10 Jan. 2026
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Scott Fowler, Charlotte Observer, 10 Jan. 2026
Tech companies have also been chasing the next big product following the smartphone and think AI could be key to finding it.
—Lisa Eadicicco, CNN Money, 10 Jan. 2026
That idea of shiny surfaces is key to Cathy’s character and costumes.
—Radhika Seth, Vogue, 10 Jan. 2026
The key to caring for bending branches is to simply support them; don’t try to push them back upright.
—Megan Hughes, Better Homes & Gardens, 10 Jan. 2026
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 11 Jan. 2026.
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