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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
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Recent Examples of key
Adam Lichtenstein,
Sun Sentinel,
22 June 2026
The category posted strong single-digit sales gains overall, with key franchises posting double-digit increases.
—
Jean E. Palmieri,
Footwear News,
22 June 2026
Dan Goodin,
ArsTechnica,
23 June 2026
The key is using AI to quickly analyze existing data, transforming reactive problem-solving into proactive management.
—
Serenity Gibbons,
Forbes.com,
23 June 2026
CBS News,
9 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
Adjective
Cooper quickly became a key part of the Hurricanes’ offensive line, taking over as the starting right guard as a freshman and holding down that spot for the next three seasons.
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Adam Lichtenstein,
Sun Sentinel,
22 June 2026
The category posted strong single-digit sales gains overall, with key franchises posting double-digit increases.
—
Jean E. Palmieri,
Footwear News,
22 June 2026
Noun
In 2012, most estimates were that breaking a 2048-bit RSA key would require a billion physical qubits.
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Dan Goodin,
ArsTechnica,
23 June 2026
The key is using AI to quickly analyze existing data, transforming reactive problem-solving into proactive management.
—
Serenity Gibbons,
Forbes.com,
23 June 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.
—
CBS News,
9 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
Adjective
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The fact that every single main cast member is on the ballot suggests that HBO made sure all main cast members were submitted and then allowed recurring performers to submit themselves.
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However, that change requires the Green Mountain Care Board, the state's main healthcare regulator, to go through a rulemaking process, which would not be finalized by the start of the coming hospital fiscal year in October, delaying the pricing reform implementation.
Adjective
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The winner of tonight's crucial Australia-Paraguay match will move on to the round of 32.
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Meanwhile, the country’s crucial oil industry needs billions of dollars of investment to get anywhere close to the halcyon days of the late 1990s when production was at its height.
Noun
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With salon gel manicures and pedicures climbing past $40 a visit, social media tutorials demystifying nail care and growing concern about gel ingredients, more people are trading the salon chair for a setup on the kitchen table.
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Stepping out of a restaurant onto the bustling streets of Ho Chi Minh City, as diners sit at street tables, the shooter pulls out a gun and fires on his targets from behind.
Noun
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In Africa and the Middle East, where affordable devices have been the primary gateway to the internet for hundreds of millions of people, the drop is projected to exceed 20 percent.
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No other airline has plans to compete with the carrier, sticking instead to traditional one-stop gateways, like Dubai, Los Angeles, or Singapore.
Noun
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Healthcare economists say giving people access to preventive healthcare saves taxpayers money in the long run by keeping the workforce healthy and relieving pressure on an overburdened system.
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Internet outages across Venezuela have been reported by NetBlocks, an independent internet and cybersecurity watchdog, as the United Nations calls on authorities to restore people’s access to social media.
Verb
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Though Aven never publicly addressed Kylee's allegations, the pair later reconciled.
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Access permissions are reviewed continuously and reconciled against current roles and policies.
Adjective
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LondonReuters — King Charles will not live at Buckingham Palace after its 10-year refurbishment finishes next year, royal officials said on Thursday, ending nearly two centuries of the central London landmark serving as the British monarch’s primary residence.
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Who enforces Assembly Bill 660 The primary responsibility for enforcing Assembly Bill 660, an amendment to the California Retail Food Code, falls on local enforcement, a spokesperson with the California Department of Public Health said.
Adjective
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Everyday businesses most at risk To counter the threat, businesses and leaders should invest in cyber defenses, upgrade old systems or patch faulty software, and limit who has access to critical systems, the Five Eyes leaders said.
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Commercial vessels and oil tankers preparing to transit through the Strait of Hormuz, one of the most critical strategic waterways for global trade flows, maintain their wait in the Gulf of Oman, on June 17, 2026.
Cite this Entry
“Key.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/key. Accessed 28 Jun. 2026.
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