KEY Synonyms: 205 Similar and Opposite Words

key 1 of 3

adjective

Definition of key next

as in main

coming before all others in importance maintains that Sir Isaac Newton remains the key figure in physical science

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Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in crucial

of the greatest possible importance first—and this is key—I wasn't even there that evening

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key

2 of 3

noun

ˈkē

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

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as in gateway

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

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as in access

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

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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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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

The team moved its training base to Mexico from Tucson, Arizona, and some of the country's key soccer officials had not been granted visas to enter the United States. —

ABC News, 15 June 2026 Those rules are meant to keep companies without a track record out of key funds tied to long-term investments. —

Joshua Sidorowicz, CBS News, 15 June 2026

Noun

Performing, at times, can mirror the energy of a busy emergency room in Pittsburgh’s North Side, making endurance and stamina key. —

Abbey White, HollywoodReporter, 17 June 2026 Most Windows machines automatically update the keys during regular monthly patch distributions, but older machines may require manual attention. —

Dan Goodin, ArsTechnica, 17 June 2026

Verb

On the flip side, opposing secondaries keyed in on Sutton in 2025, often putting a natural cap on Denver’s offense. —

Luca Evans, Denver Post, 7 June 2026 His metrics defending zone entries took a hit, and fans keyed in on puck management lapses. —

Peter Baugh, New York Times, 2 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for key

Recent Examples of Synonyms for key

Adjective

Patrick was addressing attendees of the Republican Party of Texas’ state convention in Houston from the event’s main stage.

— Eleanor Dearman, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 13 June 2026
Reuters — Hungary’s main opposition Fidesz party re-elected former Prime Minister Viktor Orbán as its leader on Saturday for another year despite the party’s loss of power in an ‌April 12 election to the center-right Tisza party.

— CNN Money, CNN Money, 13 June 2026