key 1 of 3

key

2 of 3

noun

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

2
3

key

3 of 3

verb

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
The key difference-maker in the first set was the Pegula return. Charlie Eccleshare, New York Times, 5 Sep. 2025 Although the recognition of other countries is also a key component of obtaining statehood, any Palestinian state established today would not meet the minimal criteria, according to Kobi Michael, a senior researcher at the Institute for National Security Studies and the Misgav Institute. Michele Chabin, The Washington Examiner, 5 Sep. 2025
Noun
The key here is to wait for the toothpaste to completely dry; doing so allows for maximum stain absorption. Mary Catherine McAnnally Scott, Southern Living, 5 Sep. 2025 The domain owner then creates a certificate request that includes its public key and the identifying information to be embedded into the certificate. Dan Goodin, ArsTechnica, 4 Sep. 2025
Verb
To bring up help at any point in time, press control, shift, and h keys together. Patrick Merrell, People.com, 22 Aug. 2025 Acme Tools has extra-long hex keys in their 31-piece DeWalt set. Christopher Murray May Earn A Commission If You Buy Through Our Referral Links. This Content Was Created By A Team That Works Independently From The Fox Newsroom., FOXNews.com, 21 Aug. 2025 See All Example Sentences for key
Recent Examples of Synonyms for key
Adjective
  • The Global Sumud Flotilla (GSF), which has organized dozens of boats to sail to Gaza carrying humanitarian aid, said that one of its main vessels was targeted in a drone strike just after midnight local time on Tuesday while docked near the Tunisian capital.
    Callum Sutherland, Time, 10 Sep. 2025
  • Tribhuvan International Airport, the country's main international airport, was also shut down due to smoke in the area.
    Juliana Kim, NPR, 10 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • That tactic was crucial to her victory in last year’s final, and Pegula’s coaching team have been encouraging her to use more variety herself.
    Charlie Eccleshare, New York Times, 5 Sep. 2025
  • Also, a crucial partner in battling against Russia and China.
    Jamie McIntyre, The Washington Examiner, 5 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • Take a look at the table for the South American World Cup qualifying group and a couple of things immediately jump out.
    Jack Lang, New York Times, 8 Sep. 2025
  • Housed in a historic Germantown residence, the restaurant serves its brunch family-style, with strangers seated together at communal tables.
    Rai Mincey, Forbes.com, 8 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • Safe connectors, which are similar to the concept of AI gateways, function as integration adapters that not only retrieve data but also acquire security authorization for that data.
    Vinod Bijlani, Forbes.com, 10 Sep. 2025
  • Sheinbaum pointed to 12 projects at major Mexican ports, including its largest container port, the Port of Manzanillo, as well as other major gateways including Lázaro Cárdenas, Altimara, Progreso and Veracruz among others.
    Glenn Taylor, Sourcing Journal, 9 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • The expansion will also include more language support, with plans to increase access to consulting and capital assistance in Spanish and Marshallese, according to an organization news release.
    Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 11 Sep. 2025
  • The development pool is designed to give younger players access to daily practices, training sessions and a dedicated performance staff.
    Roberta F. Rodrigues, Forbes.com, 11 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • Cultural fluency also means reconciling work habits.
    Nathanael Bondu, Rolling Stone, 5 Sep. 2025
  • King Charles and Prince Harry are closer to not just reconciling, but meeting in person.
    Lizzie Lanuza, StyleCaster, 4 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • Given the steep, rocky terrain and limited dozer access, hand crews and aviation resources will remain the primary suppression tools.
    CA WILDFIRE BOT, Sacbee.com, 7 Sep. 2025
  • Charlotte voters will finalize their primary picks for mayor and City Council on Tuesday.
    Josh Bergeron, Charlotte Observer, 7 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • For the first time in human history, your intelligence will no longer be critical to your survival.
    Dev Patnaik, Forbes.com, 9 Sep. 2025
  • Whether the Yankees are willing to make that type of commitment to a player who will be 37 years old by the time the contract extension concludes will be perhaps the most critical question for the legendary franchise in the coming offseason.
    Jon Vankin, MSNBC Newsweek, 9 Sep. 2025

Cite this Entry

“Key.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/key. Accessed 11 Sep. 2025.

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