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
Gal Beckerman, The Atlantic, 8 June 2026
For a closer look at the action, follow our live blog, as PCMag's mobile experts Eric Zeman and Florence Ion track key announcements straight from Apple Park.
—Kimberly Gedeon, PC Magazine, 8 June 2026
Emily Watlington, ARTnews.com, 10 June 2026
Each owner had their key when their car was stolen from the parking lot.
—Elyssa Kaufman, CBS News, 10 June 2026
Aleksejs Misarins, Forbes.com, 22 May 2026
Kurtz, the reigning American League Rookie of the Year, sparked a six-run third inning with an RBI single, keyed a two-run sixth with a two-run single and added a two-run double in a four-run eighth.
—CBS News, 20 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for key
Adjective
But a sense of higher purpose was a key binding agent for a country not otherwise held together by much.
—Gal Beckerman, The Atlantic, 8 June 2026
For a closer look at the action, follow our live blog, as PCMag's mobile experts Eric Zeman and Florence Ion track key announcements straight from Apple Park.
—Kimberly Gedeon, PC Magazine, 8 June 2026
Noun
This new book is looking at a revolution in a major key, at the Bolshevik Revolution and its impact on black people’s lives.
—Emily Watlington, ARTnews.com, 10 June 2026
Each owner had their key when their car was stolen from the parking lot.
—Elyssa Kaufman, CBS News, 10 June 2026
Verb
If three weeks of product signals can be reviewed in minutes, why should key decisions still wait until next sprint?
—Aleksejs Misarins, Forbes.com, 22 May 2026
Kurtz, the reigning American League Rookie of the Year, sparked a six-run third inning with an RBI single, keyed a two-run sixth with a two-run single and added a two-run double in a four-run eighth.
—CBS News, 20 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for key
Recent Examples of Synonyms for key
Adjective
-
Kevin Cook, the venue’s main host and inarguably the reigning queen of drag in Portland.—
Arati Menon,
Condé Nast Traveler,
7 June 2026
-
Pashinyan’s main rival is the Strong Armenia Party, which wants closer business ties with Russia and accuses Pashinyan of attempting to spark a war with Moscow.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
6 June 2026
Adjective
-
Flossie Wong-Staal (1946 - 2020) • China 🇨🇳 Wong-Staal was the first scientist to clone the virus that causes AIDS, a crucial step towards effective treatments against the disease.—
Alex Knapp,
Forbes.com,
11 June 2026
-
The group, alongside the Center for Immigrant and Refugee Advancement, was crucial in helping the families directly affected by last year’s raid.—
Nicole Acevedo,
NBC news,
11 June 2026
Noun
-
One table became two, then six locations across Southern California campuses.—
Los Angeles Times,
Los Angeles Times,
12 June 2026
-
The lobby bar, called The Living Room, was busy with groups of friends sipping hot toddies and Champagne at low tables and around the fireplace.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
12 June 2026
Noun
-
One step up is the $45 monthly Amplify plan, which offers faster speeds and no caps, along with a Wi-Fi 7 gateway.—
K. Thor Jensen,
PC Magazine,
8 June 2026
-
Surrounded by mountains, the Inside Passage and the Tongass National Forest, the city is a gateway to whale watching, glacier adventures and rainforest exploration.—
Staff,
USA Today,
8 June 2026
Noun
-
Subscribe to read this story ad-free Get unlimited access to ad-free articles and exclusive content.—
Abigail Brooks,
NBC news,
12 June 2026
-
Nearly a year ago, Estrella was found wandering alone on the streets of Denver without access to necessities, including fresh water.—
Jasmine Arenas,
CBS News,
12 June 2026
Verb
-
Director Michiel Van Erp draws memorable performances from his cast while screenwriter Frank Houtappels’ wistful story reminds us of a bygone era and how reconciling with your past can sometimes be the hardest thing to do.—
Randy Myers,
Mercury News,
11 June 2026
-
The county elections office said Wednesday that roughly 4,000 ballots remained to be counted or reconciled countywide.—
Nicole Buss,
Sacbee.com,
10 June 2026
Adjective
-
These powerful systems are well-suited for developing and tuning edge models and agents, but are not primary robotics deployment platforms.—
Bill Curtis,
Forbes.com,
11 June 2026
-
Other highlights include a gym and a plush primary suite flaunting a stainless-steel fireplace.—
Wendy Bowman,
Robb Report,
11 June 2026
Adjective
-
California officials, including Secretary of State Shirley Weber, have repeatedly refuted claims of fraud and, in fact, have defended the state’s slower process as critical to ensuring the counts are accurate.—
Linh Tat,
Daily News,
9 June 2026
-
Remarkably, New York has actually been outscored by four points in his 75 total minutes through two games, yet his critical shot-making in the fourth quarters has come when his team has needed it most.—
Andrew Greif,
NBC news,
9 June 2026
Cite this Entry
“Key.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/key. Accessed 14 Jun. 2026.
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