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
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
Poornima Debolle, Forbes.com, 13 May 2025
Those behind the bill, however, say the reimbursement provisions are key.
—Lisa Schencker, Chicago Tribune, 13 May 2025
Jim Harrington, Mercury News, 13 May 2025
The trooper put the vehicle in park and took the keys, finding that Marcatoma-Marcatoma had a 1-month-old in his lap without a seatbelt, state police said.
—Justin Muszynski, Hartford Courant, 12 May 2025
Michael Moore Jr., Miami Herald, 20 Apr. 2025
Trump meanwhile keyed into the emotions of Americans who saw the prices of eggs, gas, food and car insurance skyrocketing.
—Trevor Hughes, USA Today, 28 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for key
Adjective
Both of these outcomes can pose serious threats to the business, especially in the event of a major tech outage when resilience is key.
—Poornima Debolle, Forbes.com, 13 May 2025
Those behind the bill, however, say the reimbursement provisions are key.
—Lisa Schencker, Chicago Tribune, 13 May 2025
Noun
That set the table, and the mood, perfectly for all that would follow, as Savill and Halstead twisted their guitars lines like snakes in a basket, Scott crashed the cymbals, Goswell took centerstage with both her voice and keys, and Chaplin played bass like his life depended on it.
—Jim Harrington, Mercury News, 13 May 2025
The trooper put the vehicle in park and took the keys, finding that Marcatoma-Marcatoma had a 1-month-old in his lap without a seatbelt, state police said.
—Justin Muszynski, Hartford Courant, 12 May 2025
Verb
Police said three Tesla owners reported someone had keyed their cars while parked in the plaza.
—Michael Moore Jr., Miami Herald, 20 Apr. 2025
Trump meanwhile keyed into the emotions of Americans who saw the prices of eggs, gas, food and car insurance skyrocketing.
—Trevor Hughes, USA Today, 28 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for key
Recent Examples of Synonyms for key
Adjective
-
Its main funders are the State of North Rhine-Westphalia and the Film- und Medienstiftung NRW – and returning main partner ZDF Studios.—
Stewart Clarke,
Deadline,
19 May 2025
-
Two main issues are conveyed: No credible debt management approach exists.—
Jim Osman,
Forbes.com,
19 May 2025
Adjective
-
Comments Traveling in a comfortable airport outfit is crucial, especially for long flights.—
Rylee Johnston,
Travel + Leisure,
10 May 2025
-
These include India’s suspension of a crucial water-sharing treaty, the withdrawal of envoys, and visa restrictions.—
Bloomberg News,
Boston Herald,
10 May 2025
Noun
-
But to be fair and realistic, Trump hit pause to give trading partners time to come to the table and companies time to reshore their manufacturing.—
David Goldman,
CNN Money,
21 May 2025
-
As tea continues to flow across borders and breakfast tables, consumers, corporations, and governments all have a role to play.—
Dianne Plummer,
Forbes.com,
21 May 2025
Noun
-
Alaska’s vast wilderness has been a testing ground of human endurance for millennia as the gateway for human habitation of the Americas.—
Saleem H. Ali,
Forbes.com,
18 May 2025
-
As fashion and lifestyle brands look West, Fashion Island is emerging as a gateway to the Southern California consumer and visitor.—
Ryma Chikhoune,
Footwear News,
16 May 2025
Noun
-
Other perks: No-rush returns, early access to deals, and freebies on the first of each month.—
Mike Snider,
USA Today,
20 May 2025
-
Most Popular Most Popular Pratt & Whitney workers entering third week of strike while preparing to lose health care Property of week: Historic home with in-ground pool and dock with water access A CT hospital is opening a new unit designed to keep people out of the emergency room.—
Mac Cerullo,
Hartford Courant,
19 May 2025
Verb
-
The couple went their separate ways in 1994, before reconciling and getting married in 1997.—
Stephanie Sengwe,
People.com,
17 May 2025
-
As a result of this discrepancy, employers must reconcile state law and federal guidance.—
Alonzo Martinez,
Forbes.com,
16 May 2025
Adjective
-
It's led by a 200-megapixel primary camera and a 12-megapixel ultrawide, with a 12-megapixel selfie camera.—
Julian Chokkattu,
Wired News,
13 May 2025
-
Arriving first responders conducted a primary assessment of the scene and learned that two people were trapped in a Toyota Corolla, officials said.—
Staff report,
Hartford Courant,
13 May 2025
Adjective
-
According to George Dimov, CPA, founder and CEO of Dimov Tax, the middle of the year offers a critical but underused window for strategic decisions.—
Malana VanTyler,
USA Today,
20 May 2025
-
Students are left without the critical education needed when entering the workforce and won’t be equipped with the tools necessary to lead and build organizations that are inclusive and sustainable.—
Janice Gassam Asare,
Forbes.com,
19 May 2025
Cite this Entry
“Key.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/key. Accessed 24 May. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share