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
Loz Blain
june 30, New Atlas, 30 June 2025
The loss extended their losing streak to a season-high five games and cost them a series win over a key divisional opponent.
—Abbey Mastracco, New York Daily News, 19 June 2025
Jacob Tanswell, New York Times, 19 June 2025
Guests are encouraged to make themselves at home by taking a book from the inviting library, striking melodic keys on the Baby Grand piano, or brushing up their billiards skills.
—Karla Pope, Architectural Digest, 19 June 2025
Jakob Schiller, Outside Online, 29 May 2025
But Edwards is the man the Warriors expect to key on in the second round.
—Joseph Dycus, Mercury News, 6 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for key
Adjective
This groundbreaking marks a key milestone in validating our power curve and achieving essential cost efficiencies for wind energy.
—Loz Blain
june 30, New Atlas, 30 June 2025
The loss extended their losing streak to a season-high five games and cost them a series win over a key divisional opponent.
—Abbey Mastracco, New York Daily News, 19 June 2025
Noun
Brydon Carse and Josh Tongue will hit the pitch hard, key on Australia’s quick, bouncy surfaces, while Essex’s Sam Cook, who made his debut against Zimbabwe last month, is more in the Anderson mould of relying on swing and seam movement.
—Jacob Tanswell, New York Times, 19 June 2025
Guests are encouraged to make themselves at home by taking a book from the inviting library, striking melodic keys on the Baby Grand piano, or brushing up their billiards skills.
—Karla Pope, Architectural Digest, 19 June 2025
Verb
One other feature that stood out was a custom wrap that can be repaired with the heat from a hair dryer, in case the truck rubs against a tree or someone keys it in protest.
—Jakob Schiller, Outside Online, 29 May 2025
But Edwards is the man the Warriors expect to key on in the second round.
—Joseph Dycus, Mercury News, 6 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for key
Recent Examples of Synonyms for key
Adjective
-
Harper isn’t devoid of faults, with the two main ones being his defensive focus and inconsistent jump-shooting.—
Kambui Bomani,
Forbes.com,
24 June 2025
-
The investment firm said Advanced Auto Parts might be losing market share to its main rivals and that the stock appears to be trading at an extended valuation.—
Fred Imbert,
CNBC,
24 June 2025
Adjective
-
The 34-year-old Argentine goalkeeper wasn’t overworked, as Rayados’ defensive shape only gave him 10 shots on target to deal with across the three contests, but his stops were crucial.—
The Athletic Staff,
New York Times,
28 June 2025
-
Recognizing early signs, like fatigue or chest discomfort, and acting quickly is crucial.—
Heidi Cope,
Health,
27 June 2025
Noun
-
Those punishingly high tariffs remain off the table, but the two sides have since accused the other of violating the framework.—
Haisten Willis,
The Washington Examiner,
26 June 2025
-
Spectrum Internet plans Find Spectrum’s three internet plans and speeds in the following table.—
Kara McGinley,
USA Today,
26 June 2025
Noun
-
With cable internet, the modem and router usually come as a single unit, called a gateway,which needs to be plugged into the cable port and an electrical outlet.—
Kara McGinley,
USA Today,
21 June 2025
-
Both waterways—located along the First Island Chain—are key gateways for China's naval operations in the broader western Pacific.—
Ryan Chan,
MSNBC Newsweek,
20 June 2025
Noun
-
Get unlimited access to WIRED for only $2.50 $1 per month for one year.—
Arielle Pardes,
Wired News,
24 June 2025
-
After a federal judge in Maryland temporarily stopped DOGE from accessing sensitive information at the Social Security Administration, the U.S. Supreme Court stayed that ruling, allowing DOGE unfettered access.—
Jude Joffe-Block,
NPR,
24 June 2025
Verb
-
The person and his wife have now made several overtures toward reconciling with us.—
Judith Martin,
Mercury News,
20 June 2025
-
The record would go on to become one of his most enduring works, and was made at a time when Springsteen was reconciling his newfound success with the ghosts of his past.—
Ellise Shafer,
Variety,
19 June 2025
Adjective
-
The second floor has the primary suite, which is large and has a private balcony that overlooks the grounds.—
James Alexander,
Hartford Courant,
29 June 2025
-
Disclosure data shows that more than a dozen lawyers and paralegals with the New York Legal Assistance Group made cash contributions to Mamdani’s campaign ahead of the primary election.—
Mia Cathell,
The Washington Examiner,
29 June 2025
Adjective
-
While uncertainty is an inevitable part of the industry, consulting firms have an enormous opportunity to rise above disruption by aligning their strategies with three critical focus areas: innovation, operational efficiency and a people-first mindset.—
Amy Bjarnason,
Forbes.com,
24 June 2025
-
The lasting impact of the 1953 coup While the U.S. and Iran have butt heads over a range of issues since the 1979 revolution and hostage crisis, including years of strife over Iran’s nuclear program, the 1953 coup remains a critical event still invoked in modern Iran.—
Kathryn Palmer,
USA Today,
24 June 2025
Cite this Entry
“Key.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/key. Accessed 4 Jul. 2025.
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