Synonyms of key

key 1 of 3

adjective

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

• main
• primary
• greatest
• highest
• predominant
• dominant
• foremost
• big
• first
• leading
• central
• principal
• chief
• paramount
• supreme
• overriding
• cardinal
• great
• prior
• major
• master
• primal
• premier
• capital
• important
• sovereign
• number one
• top
• overbearing
• outstanding
• notable
• preeminent
• distinguished
• grand
• noteworthy
• signal
• eminent
• senior
• prestigious
• overmastering
• high-level
• numero uno
• arch
• influential
• stellar
• illustrious
• significant
• momentous
• superior
• star
• mighty
• noble
• famous
• unparalleled
• incomparable
• renowned
• celebrated
• unequaled
• unsurpassed
• famed
• matchless

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• last
• least
• minor
• unimportant
• trivial
• insignificant
• secondary
• slight
• negligible
• subordinate
• collateral
• inconsequential
• inferior
• inconsiderable
• trifling
• subsidiary

2

as in crucial

of the greatest possible importance

first—and this is key—I wasn't even there that evening

Synonyms & Similar Words

• crucial
• critical
• vital
• essential
• pivotal
• fundamental
• basic
• necessary
• decisive
• elementary
• instrumental
• requisite
• urgent
• life-and-death
• indispensable
• pressing
• weighty

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• minor
• unimportant
• trivial
• insignificant
• inconsequential

key

2 of 3

noun

ˈkē 

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

• table
• scale
• caption
• legend
• guide

2

as in gateway

something that allows someone to achieve a desired goal

a good education is the key to success

Synonyms & Similar Words

• gateway
• ticket
• passport
• secret
• approach
• method
• way
• means
• success
• open sesame
• password
• technique
• system
• strategy
• blueprint
• achievement
• plan
• triumph
• program
• style
• attainment
• accomplishment
• coup
• scheme
• manner
• design
• ground plan

3

as in access

the means or right of entering or participating in

he had found the key to her heart

Synonyms & Similar Words

• access
• door
• entry
• entrance
• accession
• gateway
• admission
• doorway
• passport
• ticket
• admittance
• entrée
• approval
• certification
• permission
• qualification
• ingress
• authorization
• open door
• welcome mat

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• removal
• rejection
• dismissal
• discharge
• expulsion
• ejection
• ouster

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

Synonyms & Similar Words

• reconcile
• coordinate
• integrate
• combine
• align
• adapt
• match
• harmonize
• suit
• balance
• conform
• correlate
• attune
• accommodate
• connect
• merge
• tune
• conciliate
• proportion
• blend
• pair
• unite
• synthesize
• array
• unify
• fit
• synchronize
• fuse
• standardize
• order
• even
• join
• equalize
• orchestrate
• dovetail
• square
• arrange
• regularize

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• upset
• disrupt
• confuse
• disturb
• disarray
• skew
• disharmonize
• disorganize
• alienate
• disorder
• estrange

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of key

Adjective

That refreshed rye bread, which now comes from Fred’s Bakery and Deli, a Beverlywood institution, is one of the key reasons Langer’s pastrami sandwiches have become the standard by which all other pastrami sandwiches are judged. — Laurie Ochoa, Los Angeles Times, 27 Sep. 2026

Tight end Greg Dulcich, who brought in five balls for 55 yards, was a key contributor to Miami’s offensive success. — Miami Herald, 27 Sep. 2026

Noun

The first batch of these stations will also feature a platform for extreme ultraviolet lithography, a technology key for making advanced semiconductors. — Ameya Paleja, Interesting Engineering, 28 Sep. 2026

But that all depends on whether popular apps and services are willing to give it the keys. — Lisa Eadicicco, CNN Money, 28 Sep. 2026

Verb

Craig was sacked three times and once UNC started keying on the run, the Horned Frogs struggled to match the Tar Heels’ physicality. — Steven Johnson, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 30 Aug. 2026

Pham-Ngoy keyed the possession with an 18-yard reception to tight end Luke Starr. — Dan Albano, Oc Register, 21 Aug. 2026