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
Holly Shand, New York Times, 11 Sep. 2025
The precise physics behind ULXs remains one of astronomy's enduring puzzles, and each galaxy that hosts them, including NGC 7456, can provide key clues.
—Kenna Hughes-Castleberry, Space.com, 11 Sep. 2025
Mark Travers, Forbes.com, 11 Sep. 2025
The handmade leather purse is roomy enough to hold essentials like your phone, cardholder, keys, headphones, and lip gloss.
—Izzy Baskette, People.com, 11 Sep. 2025
Patrick Merrell, PEOPLE, 12 Sep. 2025
The duo keyed a fourth quarter start that quickly bumped a six-point lead to 13.
—Mike Cook, Twin Cities, 12 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for key
Adjective
Gameweek 6 looks to be the key window to buy, ahead of a home game against Burnley.
—Holly Shand, New York Times, 11 Sep. 2025
The precise physics behind ULXs remains one of astronomy's enduring puzzles, and each galaxy that hosts them, including NGC 7456, can provide key clues.
—Kenna Hughes-Castleberry, Space.com, 11 Sep. 2025
Noun
The key lies in cultivating self-awareness.
—Mark Travers, Forbes.com, 11 Sep. 2025
The handmade leather purse is roomy enough to hold essentials like your phone, cardholder, keys, headphones, and lip gloss.
—Izzy Baskette, People.com, 11 Sep. 2025
Verb
To bring up help at any point in time, press control, shift, and h keys together.
—Patrick Merrell, PEOPLE, 12 Sep. 2025
The duo keyed a fourth quarter start that quickly bumped a six-point lead to 13.
—Mike Cook, Twin Cities, 12 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for key
Recent Examples of Synonyms for key
Adjective
-
The character collection leans into more alternate builds for main characters.—
Rob Wieland,
Forbes.com,
17 Sep. 2025
-
Use jig and pigs 18 to 25 feet deep along brush piles or main lake points with a gradual slope.—
Arkansas Online,
Arkansas Online,
16 Sep. 2025
Adjective
-
Guiding principles, both personal and professional, are just as crucial as having the right policy goals.—
Kimberly Ross,
The Washington Examiner,
12 Sep. 2025
-
The Chinese artist will bring his expertise as a glonal artist to guide the contestants through this crucial semi-final stage.—
Laura Sirikul,
Forbes.com,
11 Sep. 2025
Noun
-
On tables set up in the plaza were candies from Mexico, as well as flags, small hats and boards for Loteria, a game similar to bingo.—
Jemma Stephenson,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
14 Sep. 2025
-
That Golden Quartet The chemistry between the four leads was undeniable — especially during those late-night kitchen table conversations, always over a generous slice of cheesecake.—
Marc Berman,
Forbes.com,
14 Sep. 2025
Noun
-
Over a thousand tourists have been evacuated from Machu Picchu, with hundreds of others stranded, this week due to demonstrations by residents in Aguas Calientes – the gateway to Peru's famous archaeological site – blocking transportation services.—
Kathleen Wong,
USA Today,
17 Sep. 2025
-
The city of Cusco in the Andes mountains is a common gateway destination for travelers bound for Machu Picchu.—
Jimena De La Quintana,
CNN Money,
17 Sep. 2025
Noun
-
Dell Optimizer provides power profiles and display settings, while the Dell SupportAssist app provides support access and system updates.—
Charles Jefferies,
PC Magazine,
18 Sep. 2025
-
Aid groups say the Israeli military continues to restrict access to food, water, and humanitarian aid, worsening a crisis already marked by starvation and displacement.—
Kaity Kline,
NPR,
18 Sep. 2025
Verb
-
Eight years is a heck of a stretch for anyone to go and reconcile with those things.—
Lynette Rice,
Deadline,
13 Sep. 2025
-
How can these results be reconciled?—
Michael T. Nietzel,
Forbes.com,
13 Sep. 2025
Adjective
-
Last week, Reuters reported that Pulte’s own father and stepmother had declared two homes in two different states as their primary residence, prompting a town in Michigan to remove a tax exemption for their home there and charge the couple for back taxes.—
Chris Prentice,
USA Today,
14 Sep. 2025
-
But today, technology was not his primary concern.—
Elie Ofek,
Harvard Business Review,
14 Sep. 2025
Adjective
-
Xi Jinping has remarked that relying on foreign supply of critical technologies—like semiconductors—is tantamount to building one's house on someone else's foundation.—
Joel Thayer,
MSNBC Newsweek,
16 Sep. 2025
-
Bynum made a diving catch that extinguished a critical drive for the Broncos.—
The Athletic NFL Staff,
New York Times,
15 Sep. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Key.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/key. Accessed 18 Sep. 2025.
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