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
Tashan Reed, New York Times, 17 Aug. 2025
And Woods had strong coverage on two key plays, a third-down play at the end of the second quarter and a two-point conversion on the third, that resulted in incompletions.
—Adam Grosbard, Oc Register, 17 Aug. 2025
Jason Green, Mercury News, 3 Aug. 2025
Rotate authentication keys: Replace all machine keys used to sign authentication tokens.
—Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 3 Aug. 2025
Robyn Mowatt, Essence, 25 July 2025
While discussing trade price and strategy with Daboll, with co-owner John Mara standing next to him, Schoen keyed in on Daboll’s preference of Dart as a key factor in their chase.
—Pat Leonard, Hartford Courant, 21 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for key
Adjective
The starting offense looked much better, but the starting defense still gave some cause for concern despite several key 49ers contributors being sidelined.
—Tashan Reed, New York Times, 17 Aug. 2025
And Woods had strong coverage on two key plays, a third-down play at the end of the second quarter and a two-point conversion on the third, that resulted in incompletions.
—Adam Grosbard, Oc Register, 17 Aug. 2025
Noun
The keys were in the ignition and the doors were unlocked.
—Jason Green, Mercury News, 3 Aug. 2025
Rotate authentication keys: Replace all machine keys used to sign authentication tokens.
—Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 3 Aug. 2025
Verb
Together, the two have been able to key in on flattering pieces for Ross.
—Robyn Mowatt, Essence, 25 July 2025
While discussing trade price and strategy with Daboll, with co-owner John Mara standing next to him, Schoen keyed in on Daboll’s preference of Dart as a key factor in their chase.
—Pat Leonard, Hartford Courant, 21 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for key
Recent Examples of Synonyms for key
Adjective
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The report outlined three main policy goals: improving student literacy, strengthening the teacher workforce, and empowering parents.—
Brady Knox,
The Washington Examiner,
8 Aug. 2025
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Blood of My Blood tells the origin stories of the Outlander main characters' families, in this epic romantic drama.—
H. Alan Scott,
MSNBC Newsweek,
8 Aug. 2025
Adjective
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Research from the Max Planck Society reveals a crucial difference between empathy and compassion.—
Sahar Andrade,
Forbes.com,
14 Aug. 2025
-
That is a crucial step in the process to receive assistance from the Federal Emergency Managment Agency, or FEMA.—
Sarah Volpenhein,
jsonline.com,
14 Aug. 2025
Noun
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Photos on social media showed dozens of bags of Happy Meals dumped outside a restaurant, as well as unclaimed food left sitting idly on self-pick-up tables, prompting public outcries of food wastage.—
Kathleen Magramo,
CNN Money,
13 Aug. 2025
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Building walls over Northlake mall storefronts On a recent Friday around lunchtime, Northlake’s food court was bustling with passersby, people ordering at counters and about 50 people sitting at dining tables as the sound of conversation and children’s screeches filled the air.—
Charlotte Observer,
Charlotte Observer,
13 Aug. 2025
Noun
-
This can be a gateway to opportunities that might not have fit within the original career plan, offering a valuable safety net in the event of involuntary career changes.—
Philip Samson,
Forbes.com,
8 Aug. 2025
-
Flowers were a gateway to Murray paying attention to what brought her peace.—
Keyaira Boone,
Essence,
7 Aug. 2025
Noun
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Her filing stated that the City of Chandler and the Maricopa County Medical Examiner’s Office had received more than 100 requests for access to public records related to the incident.—
Charna Flam,
People.com,
9 Aug. 2025
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Please consider supporting local journalism and getting unlimited digital access.—
Leah Olajide,
Freep.com,
9 Aug. 2025
Verb
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For instance, in accounts payable, bots now ingest and reconcile invoices, while finance staff step in only for anomalies or policy exceptions—freeing up time for vendor negotiations and strategic planning.—
Dutt Kalluri,
Forbes.com,
7 Aug. 2025
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But the chances of Meghan reconciling with her own family seem dim.—
Stephanie Nolasco , Ashley Papa,
FOXNews.com,
6 Aug. 2025
Adjective
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With Van de Ven and Cristian Romero established as Spurs’ primary partnership in central defence, Vuskovic may struggle to supplant that duo for the biggest games.—
The Athletic UK Staff,
New York Times,
16 Aug. 2025
-
The 449-foot blast, his second longest of the year, moved Goodman within three homers of matching the club record by a primary catcher (Wilin Rosario’s 28 in 2012).—
Corey Masisak,
Denver Post,
16 Aug. 2025
Adjective
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The collapse of the Oxbow Bridge, which linked Cibola in La Paz County to California, poses a serious threat to public health and safety and has cut off a critical access route between the two states, the La Paz County Board of Supervisors said.—
Wren Smetana,
AZCentral.com,
9 Aug. 2025
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Bruno announced that the critical design review for key components is complete, paving the way for building flight-like hardware for certification.—
Eric Berger,
ArsTechnica,
8 Aug. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Key.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/key. Accessed 20 Aug. 2025.
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