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
semafor.com, 3 Mar. 2026
In the meantime, fast sensor data and shoot-assess-shoot doctrine are key.
—Sujita Sinha, Interesting Engineering, 3 Mar. 2026
Tamim Alnuweiri, InStyle, 3 Mar. 2026
The key will be holding on to that interest, Parker said.
—Los Angeles Times, 3 Mar. 2026
Colby Gordon, Austin American Statesman, 15 Feb. 2026
The Billikens then had a 10-2 run, keyed by two 3-pointers, an assist and a block by Sharma, followed by runs of 8-0 and 11-0.
—ABC News, 13 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for key
Adjective
Riyadh, meanwhile, has emerged as a key exit route for the super-rich and senior executives looking for safe passage out of the region, underlining the Saudi capital’s transformation in recent years.
—semafor.com, 3 Mar. 2026
In the meantime, fast sensor data and shoot-assess-shoot doctrine are key.
—Sujita Sinha, Interesting Engineering, 3 Mar. 2026
Noun
The key, at least recently, is the OneSkin Peptide Topical Supplement and Skin Longevity Age Reversal Moisturizer that Jennifer Aniston also uses.
—Tamim Alnuweiri, InStyle, 3 Mar. 2026
The key will be holding on to that interest, Parker said.
—Los Angeles Times, 3 Mar. 2026
Verb
The senior first baseman/pitcher is one of the area’s top hitters and keys the Panthers’ playoff hopes.
—Colby Gordon, Austin American Statesman, 15 Feb. 2026
The Billikens then had a 10-2 run, keyed by two 3-pointers, an assist and a block by Sharma, followed by runs of 8-0 and 11-0.
—ABC News, 13 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for key
Recent Examples of Synonyms for key
Adjective
-
Flight disruption Dubai Airports confirmed that all flights in and out of the city’s two main airports have been suspended until further notice.—
Laura Sharman,
CNN Money,
1 Mar. 2026
-
Cantor was referring to the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, formed in 1927 and seen as a company union whose main purpose was less to honor excellence in the motion picture arts than to keep a tight rein on artists who wanted a bigger slice of the pie.—
Thomas Doherty,
HollywoodReporter,
28 Feb. 2026
Adjective
-
Chip companies like Broadcom have faced a number of headwinds in recent months, including a shortage of the high bandwidth memory crucial for custom accelerators, and capacity constraints at the most advanced levels of chip manufacturing and packaging.—
Katie Tarasov,
CNBC,
5 Mar. 2026
-
For a floral display to thrive, gentle rain that soaks directly into the soil is crucial.—
Laura Baisas,
Popular Science,
5 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
There was also the sound of a generator, which would require a permit, a check-in table, a metal detector and a temporary wall with branding, Sterling said.—
Hannah Fry,
Los Angeles Times,
6 Mar. 2026
-
The four-piece set—a loveseat, two chairs, and a matching table—comfortably seats up to four, providing a perfect spot for small bites and drinks.—
Shea Simmons,
Southern Living,
6 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
Five vessels have already been hit by Iranian missiles since the conflict began Saturday, with four of them being struck while sailing through the critical trade gateway, where it is estimated 20 percent of the world’s oil supply passes through.—
Glenn Taylor,
Sourcing Journal,
3 Mar. 2026
-
In short, this city of roughly 90,000 residents serves as both a destination and a gateway to some of the Upper Midwest's most compelling experiences.—
Jacqueline Kehoe,
Travel + Leisure,
3 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
In the south-central city of Shiraz, one resident described the chaos of living with almost no access to news or warning systems amid the bombardment.—
Kara Fox,
CNN Money,
6 Mar. 2026
-
The primary suite on the second floor features skylights, a spiral staircase, a walk-in closet, a second laundry room, a living room with a fireplace and terrace access.—
Lauryn Azu,
Chicago Tribune,
5 Mar. 2026
Verb
-
Over the years, Brady Bunch fans, who have a talent for creating architectural renderings, have tried to reconcile this exterior-vs-interior disconnect.—
Martha Ross,
Mercury News,
5 Mar. 2026
-
The show depicts the couple briefly breaking up over the letter before reconciling.—
Bailey Bujnosek,
InStyle,
4 Mar. 2026
Adjective
-
Political logic Netanyahu has for decades framed Iran as Israel’s primary existential threat, shaping Israel’s security policy, diplomatic efforts and public discourse around it.—
Tal Shalev,
CNN Money,
6 Mar. 2026
-
Friday is the deadline to file to appear on the primary election ballot.—
Seema Mehta,
Los Angeles Times,
6 Mar. 2026
Adjective
-
Clark, notably, faces primary challengers from people on the Left who are critical of Israel, highlighting her potential need for financial support from AIPAC.—
Robert Schmad,
The Washington Examiner,
3 Mar. 2026
-
Want to stay up to date on IndieWire’s film reviews and critical thoughts?—
Wilson Chapman,
IndieWire,
2 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Key.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/key. Accessed 7 Mar. 2026.
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