Synonyms of key

key 1 of 3

adjective

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

• main
• primary
• greatest
• highest
• predominant
• dominant
• foremost
• big
• first
• leading
• central
• principal
• chief
• paramount
• supreme
• overriding
• cardinal
• great
• prior
• major
• master
• primal
• premier
• capital
• important
• sovereign
• number one
• top
• overbearing
• outstanding
• notable
• preeminent
• distinguished
• grand
• noteworthy
• signal
• eminent
• senior
• prestigious
• overmastering
• high-level
• numero uno
• arch
• influential
• stellar
• illustrious
• significant
• momentous
• superior
• star
• mighty
• noble
• famous
• unparalleled
• incomparable
• renowned
• celebrated
• unequaled
• unsurpassed
• famed
• matchless

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• last
• least
• minor
• unimportant
• trivial
• insignificant
• secondary
• slight
• negligible
• subordinate
• collateral
• inconsequential
• inferior
• inconsiderable
• trifling
• subsidiary

2

as in crucial

of the greatest possible importance

first—and this is key—I wasn't even there that evening

Synonyms & Similar Words

• crucial
• critical
• vital
• essential
• pivotal
• fundamental
• basic
• necessary
• decisive
• elementary
• instrumental
• requisite
• urgent
• life-and-death
• indispensable
• pressing
• weighty

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• minor
• unimportant
• trivial
• insignificant
• inconsequential

key

2 of 3

noun

ˈkē 

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

Synonyms & Similar Words

• table
• scale
• caption
• legend
• guide

2

as in gateway

something that allows someone to achieve a desired goal

a good education is the key to success

Synonyms & Similar Words

• gateway
• ticket
• passport
• secret
• approach
• method
• way
• means
• success
• open sesame
• password
• technique
• system
• strategy
• blueprint
• achievement
• plan
• triumph
• program
• style
• attainment
• accomplishment
• coup
• scheme
• manner
• design
• ground plan

3

as in access

the means or right of entering or participating in

he had found the key to her heart

Synonyms & Similar Words

• access
• door
• entry
• entrance
• accession
• gateway
• admission
• doorway
• passport
• ticket
• admittance
• entrée
• approval
• certification
• permission
• qualification
• ingress
• authorization
• open door
• welcome mat

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• removal
• rejection
• dismissal
• discharge
• expulsion
• ejection
• ouster

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

Synonyms & Similar Words

• reconcile
• coordinate
• integrate
• combine
• align
• adapt
• match
• harmonize
• suit
• balance
• conform
• correlate
• attune
• accommodate
• connect
• merge
• tune
• conciliate
• proportion
• blend
• pair
• unite
• synthesize
• array
• unify
• fit
• synchronize
• fuse
• standardize
• order
• even
• join
• equalize
• orchestrate
• dovetail
• square
• arrange
• regularize

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• upset
• disrupt
• confuse
• disturb
• disarray
• skew
• disharmonize
• disorganize
• alienate
• disorder
• estrange

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of key

Adjective

As the cost of living rises and household budgets tighten, Chileans are looking for ways to stretch their incomes by cutting spending on key areas, including food. — ABC News, 20 Sep. 2026

One of the key pillars of an earlier essay to ward off AI harms – from Bill Gates, no less — was an inter-governmental agreement along the lines of international aviation rules or nuclear inspections. — Bhaskar Chakravorti, Fortune, 20 Sep. 2026

Noun

About 10 minutes before the meeting, Cozzi left his phone, keys, wallet, and other items on his desk and went to the office restroom. — Natasha Holt, FOXNews.com, 20 Sep. 2026

Stopping the run will be a key for the Chargers, who seemed poised for a bounce-back performance, even without McConkey. — Sam Farmer, Los Angeles Times, 19 Sep. 2026

Verb

The Wolves’ defense, led by AJC 2025 player of the year Tyriq Green, keyed a Class 6A state title and a consensus national championship. — Jack Leo, AJC.com, 23 Aug. 2026

Pham-Ngoy keyed the possession with an 18-yard reception to tight end Luke Starr. — Dan Albano, Oc Register, 21 Aug. 2026