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
Los Angeles Times, 12 July 2025
As African Studies scholar Inge Brinkman writes, when the Kingdom of Kongo began working with European parties starting in the late fifteenth century, a very specific group of interpreters played a key role.
—Livia Gershon, JSTOR Daily, 12 July 2025
Mary Cornetta, Better Homes & Gardens, 29 June 2025
The key was batting behind Ruth, a definite candidate for the greatest player.
—Nick Canepa, San Diego Union-Tribune, 28 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
One key goal of the exhibit is to help visitors connect to the importance of heat, shade and urban trees.
—Los Angeles Times, 12 July 2025
As African Studies scholar Inge Brinkman writes, when the Kingdom of Kongo began working with European parties starting in the late fifteenth century, a very specific group of interpreters played a key role.
—Livia Gershon, JSTOR Daily, 12 July 2025
Noun
The key is knowing which parts get the grimiest and focusing your efforts on them.
—Mary Cornetta, Better Homes & Gardens, 29 June 2025
The key was batting behind Ruth, a definite candidate for the greatest player.
—Nick Canepa, San Diego Union-Tribune, 28 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
-
The Victorian Joint Counter-Terrorism Team, which includes Victoria state police, federal police and Australia's main domestic spy agency, said the fire was likely a politically motivated attack.—
arkansasonline.com,
arkansasonline.com,
6 July 2025
-
These tickets have to be redeemed at the Florida Lottery main office in Tallahassee or one of the district offices.—
David J. Neal
July 6,
Miami Herald,
6 July 2025
Adjective
-
In a crucial leadership change last September, Starbucks appointed Molly Liu, former chief of Starbucks China's digital division, to head its business in the country.—
Anniek Bao,
CNBC,
9 July 2025
-
Both aspects are a crucial part of the Superman story.—
True Tamplin,
Forbes.com,
9 July 2025
Noun
-
Tarek posted a photo on Instagram at the time of the foursome smiling at the table together over a meal of wine, sushi and french fries.—
Escher Walcott,
People.com,
8 July 2025
-
Filming on the final series is set to kick off this month, with the announcement of the series’ end coming as the show’s cast had its first table read for season 11.—
Lily Ford,
HollywoodReporter,
8 July 2025
Noun
-
The Texas Hill Country, a scenic and rocky gateway to booming vineyards and vacation rentals, begins west of the state capital and is a popular outdoor summer getaway.—
Orianna Rosa Royle,
Fortune,
4 July 2025
-
The area is indicative of Indianapolis's beginnings as a Midwest cultural gateway, said Mary Clark, the International Marketplace Coalition's executive director.—
Alexandria Burris,
IndyStar,
3 July 2025
Noun
-
What's included Digital plans Digital + Print Daily digital access Android and IOS apps Subscriber-exclusive content Digital subscription to share The eNewspaper — a digital replica of the print newspaper.—
AZCentral.com,
AZCentral.com,
6 July 2025
-
The fire is burning in the footprint of the 2014 Man Fire in brush with numerous snags and is in difficult country with access issues.—
CA WILDFIRE BOT,
Sacbee.com,
6 July 2025
Verb
-
Mother and daughter reconciled in the Season 3 finale, when Natalie gave birth to her son, Billy.—
Bryan Alexander,
USA Today,
28 June 2025
-
After finding an old video where her late mother tells her and Bart to always depend on one another, the estranged siblings reconcile and save their father.—
Armon Sadler,
VIBE.com,
26 June 2025
Adjective
-
Pocketbook Issues Dominate The primary drivers of uncertainly are the cost of living, price inflation and general economic uncertainty.—
Pamela N. Danziger,
Forbes.com,
11 July 2025
-
The bill's primary sponsors include representatives Adam Matthews (R-Lebanon) and Terrence Upchurch (D-Cleveland).—
Mariyam Muhammad,
The Enquirer,
11 July 2025
Adjective
-
This figure has already surpassed the 1,274 cases recorded during the peak year of 2019, marking a critical public health milestone reached just halfway through 2025.—
Adeola Adeosun,
MSNBC Newsweek,
6 July 2025
-
Several other critical alerts followed, warning of the imminent threat: A flash flood emergency warning was issued for Kerr County at 4:03 a.m., followed by one for Kerrville at 5:34 a.m.—
Andrew Freedman,
CNN Money,
6 July 2025
Cite this Entry
“Key.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/key. Accessed 15 Jul. 2025.
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