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
Expert Panel®, Forbes.com, 24 July 2025
The coalition's concerns center on several key issues: the environmental impact of data centers, potential job displacement, and the lack of meaningful safety standards.
—Stephen Clark, ArsTechnica, 24 July 2025
Keenan Thompson, Freep.com, 24 July 2025
Owners can also desensitize their pups to departure cues such as grabbing keys by performing these actions without actually leaving.
—Maria Morava, MSNBC Newsweek, 23 July 2025
Kyle Newman, Denver Post, 3 July 2025
But the Mets’ lead melted away the moment Montas left Tuesday night’s game, as a bullpen implosion keyed a 7-4 loss to the Atlanta Braves.
—Peter Sblendorio, New York Daily News, 25 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for key
Adjective
Focus on weaving core principles into daily operations while documenting key decisions to preserve institutional memory.
—Expert Panel®, Forbes.com, 24 July 2025
The coalition's concerns center on several key issues: the environmental impact of data centers, potential job displacement, and the lack of meaningful safety standards.
—Stephen Clark, ArsTechnica, 24 July 2025
Noun
The old-fashioned way of stealing the keys and hopping in the car to drive away is still around even with the rise of more advanced methods.
—Keenan Thompson, Freep.com, 24 July 2025
Owners can also desensitize their pups to departure cues such as grabbing keys by performing these actions without actually leaving.
—Maria Morava, MSNBC Newsweek, 23 July 2025
Verb
Hitters are keyed in on Kyle Freeland more than at any point in his career.
—Kyle Newman, Denver Post, 3 July 2025
But the Mets’ lead melted away the moment Montas left Tuesday night’s game, as a bullpen implosion keyed a 7-4 loss to the Atlanta Braves.
—Peter Sblendorio, New York Daily News, 25 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for key
Recent Examples of Synonyms for key
Adjective
-
Messer, 39, has been spending his days walking the halls of both Dell Children's main campus in East Austin and its North Austin hospital.—
Nicole Villalpando,
Austin American Statesman,
30 July 2025
-
The three main causes of hydroplaning are: Vehicle speed - When a vehicle's speed increases, the tire-traction grip and ability to control the vehicle decreases.—
CA Weather Bot,
Sacbee.com,
30 July 2025
Adjective
-
Staying on top of harvesting is especially crucial for this herb.—
Amy Brightfield,
Better Homes & Gardens,
2 Aug. 2025
-
Meanwhile, the politically crucial centrist group shifted back into net positive territory for Trump in July, giving him a +4 approval rating, up from -6 last month.—
Martha McHardy,
MSNBC Newsweek,
2 Aug. 2025
Noun
-
Southwest was criticized for years by Wall Street for leaving fee money on the table.—
Emma Marsden,
MSNBC Newsweek,
1 Aug. 2025
-
There is potential to leave a lot of money on the table.—
JJ Kinahan,
Forbes.com,
1 Aug. 2025
Noun
-
Estes Park, about 65 miles north of Denver and the gateway to Rocky Mountain National Park, scored highly in the study because of its ranch-style accommodations, affordable lodging and 10 nature and wildlife parks.—
Gary Stoller,
Forbes.com,
29 July 2025
-
Cybercriminals know that mobile devices are a fruitful gateway to scams and threats.—
Suzanne Blake,
MSNBC Newsweek,
24 July 2025
Noun
-
One week after news broke that some district leaders have access to funds that lack public oversight, Jefferson County Board of Education members are considering changes to an agreement that dictates how the money can be spent.—
Krista Johnson,
The Courier-Journal,
31 July 2025
-
Gutierrez was a long-time advocate for civil rights and educational access, serving in the Arizona Legislature and on the Maricopa County Community College board.—
Maria Polletta,
AZCentral.com,
30 July 2025
Verb
-
As the Senate and House reconcile the differences, and EdTrust is advocating for eligibility and student loan access to stay the same.—
Lily Kepner,
Austin American Statesman,
25 July 2025
-
So how do employees reconcile these contradictory messages?—
Bryan Robinson,
Forbes.com,
25 July 2025
Adjective
-
The statute makes clear that unlike ICE and Customs and Border Protection, USCIS’s primary mission is adjudication and processing of applications, not enforcement.—
Stuart Anderson,
Forbes.com,
4 Aug. 2025
-
Mamdani also attacked Cuomo’s reliance on wealthy donors, including some who support President Trump, during the primary race.—
Josephine Stratman,
New York Daily News,
4 Aug. 2025
Adjective
-
Austin city leaders are urging the Federal Emergency Management Agency to reinstate $50 million in funding for flood protection upgrades to critical city utility infrastructure — money that was pulled earlier this year.—
Dante Motley,
Austin American Statesman,
31 July 2025
-
The breakaway region of Somaliland offered the US a critical minerals deal in exchange for diplomatic recognition, becoming the latest territory to leverage resources for favorable treatment from Washington.—
Jeronimo Gonzalez,
semafor.com,
30 July 2025
Cite this Entry
“Key.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/key. Accessed 7 Aug. 2025.
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