KEYS Synonyms: 107 Similar and Opposite Words

keys 1 of 2

noun

plural of key

as in scales

an explanatory list of the symbols on a map or chart in order to know what those dotted lines represent, you'll need to look at the key

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

as in tickets

something that allows someone to achieve a desired goal a good education is the key to success

Synonyms & Similar Words

as in doors

the means or right of entering or participating in he had found the key to her heart

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

keys

2 of 2

verb

present tense third-person singular of key

as in reconciles

to bring to a state free of conflicts, inconsistencies, or differences her response was perfectly keyed to the situation

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Recent Examples of keys

Noun

Jacqueline Hamilton in Minnesota says her father is still mad at her for taking away his keys four months ago. —

Joel Rose, NPR, 24 Mar. 2026 Officials then reviewed surveillance footage, which Authier said captured Catron dropping a thumb drive out of his pocket while retrieving his car keys. —

Tanya Babbar, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 23 Mar. 2026 Other times networks hold the keys. —

Jacob Feldman, Sportico.com, 23 Mar. 2026 Russia tried to ban Telegram for failing to provide the FSB state security service with its encryption keys in 2018, but was unsuccessful. —

Yuliya Talmazan, NBC news, 22 Mar. 2026 KeySmart transforms ordinary items like keys, wallets and multi-tools into sleek, functional and portable solutions. —

Tory Johnson, ABC News, 21 Mar. 2026 The group recasts these songs with somber, chant-like harmonies and sparse backing—drums, keys, and electric guitar. —

Sheila Regan, Twin Cities, 21 Mar. 2026 Nothing, not even a wallet or keys. —

Literary Hub, 19 Mar. 2026 His sons were inside, and so were Denise Lee's purse, keys and phone. —

Amanda Lee Myers, USA Today, 18 Mar. 2026

Verb

Be sure to keep cars locked and keys out of reach of children, Fennell said. —

Jeanine Santucci, USA Today, 18 Mar. 2026 The senior first baseman/pitcher is one of the area’s top hitters and keys the Panthers’ playoff hopes. —

Colby Gordon, Austin American Statesman, 15 Feb. 2026 Microsoft handed the government encryption keys for customer data. —

Tom Warren, The Verge, 29 Jan. 2026 Eco effort The hotel adheres to Hyatt’s global standards for sustainability, with robust waste and recycling initiatives, extensive energy and water recycling programs, and the use of World of Hyatt digital keys through your phone, to reduce the number of plastic room keys in use. —

Todd Plummer, Condé Nast Traveler, 28 Jan. 2026 Zella’s Move In Pocket Joggers feature a side-zip security pocket to keep small items like cards and keys safe, and they’re currently marked down to just $30. —

Julia Morlino, Travel + Leisure, 9 Jan. 2026 Medical Recreational and medical No legalization Use the arrow keys ↑↓←→ to navigate through the map regions. —

Hannah Parker, NBC news, 24 Dec. 2025 Staci Large Tote Set This tote includes a detachable zip pouch to stash your lipstick and mascara, or use it as an easy-to-grab phone, wallet, and keys combo. —

Sheri Kaz, Southern Living, 28 Nov. 2025 What Bentley keys into, above all else, are his actors, particularly Edgerton. —

Stephanie Zacharek, Time, 21 Nov. 2025

Recent Examples of Synonyms for keys

Noun

These nanoframes, which are nanoscale metal structures with hollow, frame-like geometries, are of significant interest because of their unique ability to concentrate and manipulate light at very small scales.

— Prabhat Ranjan Mishra, Interesting Engineering, 30 Mar. 2026
Unfortunately, de Sitter space causes huge problems for physicists trying to understand the universe at the smallest scales.

— Shalma Wegsman, Quanta Magazine, 30 Mar. 2026