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
Los Angeles Times, 12 July 2025
As African Studies scholar Inge Brinkman writes, when the Kingdom of Kongo began working with European parties starting in the late fifteenth century, a very specific group of interpreters played a key role.
—Livia Gershon, JSTOR Daily, 12 July 2025
Josh Robbins, New York Times, 12 July 2025
Never lose your keys, bags, or anything else again.
—Simon Hill, Wired News, 12 July 2025
New York Daily News Editorial Board, New York Daily News, 20 June 2025
As the Indiana Pacers have keyed in on NBA MVP Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, the Thunder have progressively asked Williams to handle the ball more, with his usage increasing in every game of the series.
—Esfandiar Baraheni, New York Times, 19 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for key
Adjective
One key goal of the exhibit is to help visitors connect to the importance of heat, shade and urban trees.
—Los Angeles Times, 12 July 2025
As African Studies scholar Inge Brinkman writes, when the Kingdom of Kongo began working with European parties starting in the late fifteenth century, a very specific group of interpreters played a key role.
—Livia Gershon, JSTOR Daily, 12 July 2025
Noun
For them, the key is to get acclimated to the NBA game, to more athletic, more skilled competition and to what Wizards coaches want.
—Josh Robbins, New York Times, 12 July 2025
Never lose your keys, bags, or anything else again.
—Simon Hill, Wired News, 12 July 2025
Verb
No to Mamdani, more reasons Despite his troubling views on Israel, Mamdani has captured the support of a wide swath of voters these past months by keying in on the issue of affordability.
—New York Daily News Editorial Board, New York Daily News, 20 June 2025
As the Indiana Pacers have keyed in on NBA MVP Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, the Thunder have progressively asked Williams to handle the ball more, with his usage increasing in every game of the series.
—Esfandiar Baraheni, New York Times, 19 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for key
Recent Examples of Synonyms for key
Adjective
-
The tournament grounds feature three main retail sites: the Centre Court Shop, the No. 1 Court Shop and the Museum Shop, along with five express shops and an additional nine kiosks.—
Tim Newcomb,
Forbes.com,
16 July 2025
-
Atrium Ljungberg, White Arkitekter A huge, new city is being built in Sweden, but it’s not being constructed using steel or concrete — its main building material is wood.—
Lucy Handley,
CNBC,
15 July 2025
Adjective
-
Therefore, long-term planning can play a crucial role in unlocking the financial flexibility that helps to allow retirees to sleep well at night, free from the fear of depleting their nest egg.—
Wes Moss,
Forbes.com,
22 July 2025
-
Attorneys make a crucial difference for a child or a teen.—
Nicol León,
AZCentral.com,
22 July 2025
Noun
-
Just as theatrical—and perhaps even more thrilling—is the restaurant’s turmeric-marinated catfish, the fish cut into hunks and twice-cooked: first, with a crisping swim in the kitchen’s deep fryer, offstage in the kitchen, then at the table, in a sizzling skillet set over a portable burner.—
Helen Rosner,
New Yorker,
20 July 2025
-
Take inspiration from around the world in our guide to 24 salads that deserve a place at every table.—
Maureen O'Hare,
CNN Money,
19 July 2025
Noun
-
Understanding your trauma response can be a gateway to real change.—
Mark Travers,
Forbes.com,
15 July 2025
-
Elston should be the gateway to Lincoln Yards, but when a popular band is performing at the Salt Shed between Division Street and North Avenue, Elston seizes up.—
F.K. Plous,
Chicago Tribune,
11 July 2025
Noun
-
This democratizes access to expertise that was once limited by location or network.—
David Henkin,
Forbes.com,
16 July 2025
-
However, the increasing privatization of space access raises questions about America's future role in space exploration.—
Doc Louallen,
ABC News,
15 July 2025
Verb
-
The two brothers haven’t seen eye to eye in years, and though King Charles reportedly wants to reconcile with his son—perhaps an aftereffect of his cancer journey, Prince William doesn’t seem as inclined to do so.—
Lissete Lanuza Sáenz,
StyleCaster,
15 July 2025
-
After despising and envying his seemingly perfect new partner from afar, their coffee date is a chance for Jessica to reconcile with the fact that Wendy was never the bad guy after all.—
Patrick Ryan,
USA Today,
13 July 2025
Adjective
-
The bill's primary sponsors include representatives Adam Matthews (R-Lebanon) and Terrence Upchurch (D-Cleveland).—
Mariyam Muhammad,
The Enquirer,
11 July 2025
-
About one-third of American workers now earn income from a source other than a traditional nine-to-five job, whether this is their primary occupation or a side hustle.—
Liya Palagashvili,
National Review,
11 July 2025
Adjective
-
Future View Of Mentorship Looking ahead, the role of mentors in fostering innovation will become even more critical and nuanced.—
David Henkin,
Forbes.com,
16 July 2025
-
The platform’s growing critical acclaim mirrors the rise of other streaming services that have reshaped the awards landscape in recent years.—
Clayton Davis,
Variety,
15 July 2025
Cite this Entry
“Key.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/key. Accessed 26 Jul. 2025.
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