key 1 of 3

adjective

Definition of keynext
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

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

key

2 of 3

noun

ˈkē How to pronounce key (audio)
1
as in table
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
2
as in gateway
something that allows someone to achieve a desired goal a good education is the key to success

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3
as in access
the means or right of entering or participating in he had found the key to her heart

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

key

3 of 3

verb

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

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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 key
Adjective
Most of the industry has been positioned along the coast up until now, away from the key resources. — Maria Mocerino, Interesting Engineering, 19 July 2026 For example, the new Central Science and Technology Commission is led by one of Xi’s closest allies, placing oversight of this key sector closer to his inner circle. — José Kaire, Fortune, 19 July 2026
Noun
The key is to train the mind to relax, just chill, even though somebody’s at the doorbell, even though somebody’s walking into the kitchen, little kids screaming through the house. — Sean Krofssik, Hartford Courant, 20 July 2026 The family has also questioned why Wells’ friends would leave without him while taking his keys and phone, which his parents later retrieved after Wells was reported missing. — Janelle Griffith, PEOPLE, 20 July 2026
Verb
In a round-the-table survey, insiders who are keyed in to the pulse of pop culture acknowledged that no immediate names that jump to mind. — Cynthia Littleton, Variety, 18 June 2026 Clark finished with 21 points, forcing Toronto to respect her scoring ability and preventing defenders from keying solely on her passing. — Alejandro Avila Outkick, FOXNews.com, 17 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for key
Recent Examples of Synonyms for key
  1. main
  2. crucial
  3. table
  4. gateway
  5. access
  6. reconcile
  7. primary
  8. critical
Adjective
  • Also, the arena operates with one main kitchen; the hope is to have kitchens on all three levels to enhance fans’ concession experience.
    — Jason Quick, New York Times, 20 July 2026
  • Tourism – the island’s main economic lifeline – was down 58% in the first five months of 2026 compared with the year before.
    — The Week UK, TheWeek, 19 July 2026
Definition of main
Adjective
  • India has a huge youth population with young voters crucial for future elections.
    — Rhea Mogul, CNN Money, 25 July 2026
  • As much as 40% of the swamp’s forest canopy is consumed by insects and their larvae, an activity crucial to nutrient recycling.
    — Charles Seabrook, AJC.com, 25 July 2026
Definition of crucial
Noun
  • Demolishing folding tables has become so popular — and worrisome — at Bills games that retail prices of tables in Western New York have been known to increase during football season.
    — Lisa Gutierrez, Kansas City Star, 25 July 2026
  • And while there are still comic artists and writers at small tables signing and sketching, and dealers selling original art out of binders in crates, a good chunk of the space is occupied by media and toy companies, trying to outdo one another.
    — Borys Kit, HollywoodReporter, 24 July 2026
Definition of table
Noun
  • So its gateway at 42nd Street had to move people much faster than usual; even with a bus lane, the M42 route is still one of the city’s slowest, averaging roughly five miles per hour — the pace of a leisurely stroll.
    — John Surico, Curbed, 24 July 2026
  • The narrow waterway between Yemen and Djibouti forms the western gateway to the route linking the Indian Ocean with the Suez Canal.
    — Yinka Adegoke, semafor.com, 24 July 2026
Definition of gateway
Noun
  • The date circulating is September 25, 2026, with early access opening September 18 for Ultimate Edition buyers and EA Play subscribers.
    — Brian Mazique, Forbes.com, 22 July 2026
  • Your membership gives you access to all facilities nationwide.
    — Rashad Alexander, Kansas City Star, 22 July 2026
Definition of access
Verb
  • Following Myron’s injury, Gavin dropped Myron and the two have never reconciled their differences.
    — Joe Otterson, Variety, 20 July 2026
  • In 2010, Sir Alex Ferguson and Van Nistelrooy reconciled after the Dutchman called Ferguson and apologised, something his former manager admired.
    — Andy Mitten, New York Times, 20 July 2026
Definition of reconcile
Adjective
  • Because, as a one-off measure, FIFA would not have been the primary beneficiary.
    — Henry Bushnell, New York Times, 21 July 2026
  • Detectives identified Stevenson Tuimavave as the primary suspect and obtained warrants for his arrest and a search of his home, police said.
    — Molly Gibbs, Mercury News, 21 July 2026
Definition of primary
Adjective
  • The consensus is that for critical business functions, success depends on rigorously validated, specialized AI tailored to specific workflows, rather than broad, general-purpose solutions.
    — TerDawn DeBoe, Forbes.com, 22 July 2026
  • Instead, most Republicans stood firm in a critical hearing with an administration waging a hugely unpopular war, while Democrats highlighted the gap between its premature victory laps and the current stalemate.
    — Arpita Dasika, CNN Money, 22 July 2026
Definition of critical

Browse Nearby Words

kettles of fish
key
keyboardist
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Cite this Entry

“Key.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/key. Accessed 26 Jul. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on key

Nglish: Translation of key for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about key

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