1
as in main
coming before all others in importance
maintains that Sir Isaac Newton remains the key figure in physical science
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in crucial
of the greatest possible importance
first—and this is key—I wasn't even there that evening
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
1
2
as in gateway
something that allows someone to achieve a desired goal
a good education is the key to success
Synonyms & Similar Words
3
as in access
the means or right of entering or participating in
he had found the key to her heart
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
as in to reconcile
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
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Recent Examples of key
Andrew McCarty, MSNBC Newsweek, 31 Mar. 2026
It will be regularly updated with information and key documents.
—Chase Jordan, Charlotte Observer, 30 Mar. 2026
Andrew Greif, NBC news, 1 Apr. 2026
Remove everything from your entryway — shoes, coats, bags, keys, mail, all of it.
—Lauren Jarvis-Gibson, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 31 Mar. 2026
Sean Keeler, Denver Post, 23 Mar. 2026
That's when Vanderbilt finished the quarter on a 14-4 run keyed by four straight 3s.
—ABC News, 23 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for key
Adjective
Amid a busy offseason ESPN's Matt Miller believes there's a key player the Ravens should add to the roster.
—Andrew McCarty, MSNBC Newsweek, 31 Mar. 2026
It will be regularly updated with information and key documents.
—Chase Jordan, Charlotte Observer, 30 Mar. 2026
Noun
The Heat were leading 116-114 with 12 seconds left when Tatum received the ball at the top of the key.
—Andrew Greif, NBC news, 1 Apr. 2026
Remove everything from your entryway — shoes, coats, bags, keys, mail, all of it.
—Lauren Jarvis-Gibson, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 31 Mar. 2026
Verb
After a Blazers bucket opened the fourth quarter, the Nuggets strung together three more straight stops, keyed by two of their best stoppers, reunited.
—Sean Keeler, Denver Post, 23 Mar. 2026
That's when Vanderbilt finished the quarter on a 14-4 run keyed by four straight 3s.
—ABC News, 23 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for key
Recent Examples of Synonyms for key
Adjective
-
Demonstrators flocked to protests around the country to march, stand in crowds or line main streets.—
Sarah D. Wire,
USA Today,
29 Mar. 2026
-
Sirens alerted people to seek shelter in and around Tel Aviv, Jerusalem, Beer Sheba and areas near the country’s main nuclear research center, which were targeted by Iranian strikes that injured dozens last weekend.—
Farnoush Amiri,
Chicago Tribune,
28 Mar. 2026
Adjective
-
Irrigation is crucial in an area that's primarily dry land agriculture.—
Alan Gionet,
CBS News,
3 Apr. 2026
-
Called the trans-lunar injection burn (TLI), the crucial maneuver is scheduled to take place roughly 24 hours into the mission.—
Denise Chow,
NBC news,
2 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
For guests, a table is always available without prior reservation.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
3 Apr. 2026
-
Be sure to cover your head and neck with your arms, and crawl under a sturdy table if possible.—
CA Earthquake Bot,
Sacbee.com,
2 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
Your entryway is the gateway between the outside world and your personal space.—
Lauren Jarvis-Gibson,
Miami Herald,
31 Mar. 2026
-
Detroit's role in the Underground Railroad is being brought to life for a new generation while highlighting the city's place as a critical gateway to freedom for thousands fleeing slavery.—
Rachelle Graham,
CBS News,
30 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
Accessibility In accordance with Japan’s progressive rules for handicap accessibility, all floors are accessible with wide elevator access, lower level buttons reachable from wheelchairs, and wheelchair accessible bathrooms on the restaurant level.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
3 Apr. 2026
-
Amid an ongoing court battle over clergy access to the west suburban ICE facility, Catholic ministers entered the building and, in the traditional Holy Thursday ritual, washed the feet of 14 detainees.—
Tess Kenny,
Chicago Tribune,
3 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
What to watch next Any differences between House and Senate versions would need to be reconciled before heading to the governor's desk.—
Zachary Bynum,
CBS News,
2 Apr. 2026
-
In 2025, the duo reissued their 1973 debut album Buckingham Nicks for the first time in decades, and have apparently reconciled.—
Maya Georgi,
Rolling Stone,
1 Apr. 2026
Adjective
-
Even the more politically active class of nonprofits — 501(c)(4) groups, like the relatively new American Hunters and Anglers — can’t make political activity its primary activity.—
Natalie Krebs,
Outdoor Life,
3 Apr. 2026
-
Last year, six people ran for Sacramento mayor and no one got more than 30% of the vote during the primary election.—
James Taylor,
CBS News,
3 Apr. 2026
Adjective
-
Millions of Americans enrolled in Medicare Advantage are approaching a critical deadline that could have long-lasting financial consequences.—
Amanda Greenwood,
MSNBC Newsweek,
31 Mar. 2026
-
For Iranian athletes who play in domestic-league games that aren’t broadcast internationally, the World Cup serves as a critical launchpad to impress international scouts.—
Albert Samaha,
New Yorker,
31 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Key.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/key. Accessed 4 Apr. 2026.
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