key 1 of 3

adjective

Definition of keynext
1
as in main
coming before all others in importance maintains that Sir Isaac Newton remains the key figure in physical science

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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

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

key

2 of 3

noun

ˈkē How to pronounce key (audio)
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

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2
as in gateway
something that allows someone to achieve a desired goal a good education is the key to success

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3
as in access
the means or right of entering or participating in he had found the key to her heart

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of key
Adjective
Being able to trust each other, trust our processes, (was key). — Paul Newman, New York Times, 5 July 2026 One of the key features is the dramatic spiral roof, which takes cues from an unfurled Chinese folding fan, a space that is accessible to visitors and serves as an observation deck overlooking the Huangpu River and the city's skyline. — New Atlas, 5 July 2026
Noun
The key is finding a pair that fits well, feels good, and looks stylish. — Jacquelyn McGilvray, PEOPLE, 13 July 2026 Not only that, but the keys are also durable and can withstand constant pressure. — George Yang, PC Magazine, 13 July 2026
Verb
Wade Meckler and Jo Adell keyed a five-run second inning with two-run doubles, and Walbert Ureña navigated heavy traffic through five shutout innings to lead the Los Angeles Angels to a 10-1 victory over the Houston Astros on Tuesday night. — ABC News, 10 June 2026 On the flip side, opposing secondaries keyed in on Sutton in 2025, often putting a natural cap on Denver’s offense. — Luca Evans, Denver Post, 7 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for key
Recent Examples of Synonyms for key
  1. main
  2. crucial
  3. table
  4. gateway
  5. access
  6. reconcile
  7. primary
  8. critical
Adjective
  • Of the 33 schools awarded grants, 19 schools opted for main entrance improvements while 14 chose to modernize their check-in and visitor badging systems.
    — Michelle Mullins, Chicago Tribune, 5 July 2026
  • India’s main stock index last month outperformed other emerging markets by the most since November, and foreign outflows hit a four-month low.
    — J.D. Capelouto, semafor.com, 5 July 2026
Definition of main
Adjective
  • Overnight, both Iran and Kuwait reported strikes on desalination plants –- which are crucial for ensuring access to drinking water across much of the Middle East.
    — Monica Haider, CNN Money, 18 July 2026
  • Van Brunt said inspection reports by a state attorney are crucial in lawsuits alleging constitutional violations.
    — Mathew Miranda, Sacbee.com, 17 July 2026
Definition of crucial
Noun
  • The picture Joe’s posted on social media included England players Jude Bellingham, Elliot Anderson, Anthony Gordon, Morgan Rogers, Jordan Henderson and Dan Burn at an outdoors table.
    — Rashad Alexander, Kansas City Star, 18 July 2026
  • Folks who receive the cards also send Pinta photos — of their tables covered in cards, their refrigerators covered in cards, their mailboxes stuffed with cards.
    — Heidi Stevens, Chicago Tribune, 17 July 2026
Definition of table
Noun
  • Zelensky said that in addition to the warehouse attacks, an oil facility was also struck Saturday – as were additional targets in the Sea of Azov, the gateway to the Black Sea.
    — Tim Lister, CNN Money, 18 July 2026
  • London, meanwhile, remains one of fashion’s most influential commercial gateways.
    — Kate Hardcastle, Forbes.com, 17 July 2026
Definition of gateway
Noun
  • Subscribe to read this story ad-free Get unlimited access to ad-free articles and exclusive content.
    — Alicia Victoria Lozano, NBC news, 15 July 2026
  • Groups like EdTrust-West and The Campaign for College Opportunity, which champion equity and access to higher education, pushed back and said standardized tests in UC admissions were biased against low-income and minority students.
    — Tarini Mehta, Sacbee.com, 15 July 2026
Definition of access
Verb
  • But the differences between the Senate NDAA version will still need to be reconciled with the House version.
    — Garrett Downs, CNBC, 14 July 2026
  • Fox initially filed for divorce in 2015, but the pair reconciled.
    — Shania Russell, Entertainment Weekly, 13 July 2026
Definition of reconcile
Adjective
  • Leaving spring training, one of the primary concerns for the Rangers was its bullpen, and halfway through the season this group ranks 10th in MLB.
    — Fort Worth Star-Telegram, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 14 July 2026
  • The district’s surveillance traps show numbers of Culex mosquitos — the primary vectors of West Nile virus — are at their highest.
    — Alula Alderson, Sacbee.com, 14 July 2026
Definition of primary
Adjective
  • Tensions are flaring over the critical Strait of Hormuz, pushing the two sides back towards all-out war.
    — Billy Stockwell, CNN Money, 15 July 2026
  • The most critical one came in the 21st minute with France’s Lucas Digne committed a foul on Yamal in the box.
    — Steven Johnson, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 15 July 2026
Definition of critical

Browse Nearby Words

kettles of fish
key
keyboardist
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Cite this Entry

“Key.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/key. Accessed 19 Jul. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on key

Nglish: Translation of key for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about key

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