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
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
-
This means cruise visitors will need to rely on shuttle buses, taxis, or sightseeing tours to reach the city’s main attractions.—
David Nikel,
Forbes.com,
4 May 2025
-
Today, the city’s main protection against high tides is the MOSE set of flood barriers that rises from the seabed to cut off the lagoon from the Adriatic during exceptionally high tides.—
Julia Buckley,
CNN Money,
4 May 2025
Adjective
-
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
-
Councilmember Sean Elo-Rivera said recreation centers and parks play a crucial role in the lives of many of his residents.—
David Garrick,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
10 May 2025
Noun
-
Seated at a table before the altar, scrutineer 1 opens a ballot, notes the name, and passes it on to scrutineer 2.—
Katie Primm,
NBC news,
9 May 2025
-
That includes identifying gaps in business or governance knowledge and building the skills required to earn—not just expect—a seat at the table.—
Tony Bradley,
Forbes.com,
9 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
-
Companies that adopt water-efficient technologies early will be better positioned to comply with regulations, maintain credibility with consumers, and secure access to reliable, resilient supply chains.—
Ken Katz,
Sourcing Journal,
5 May 2025
-
American Express cardholders will have access to an Amex pre-sale for the North American show beginning Wednesday (May 7) at 10 a.m. local time here.—
Gil Kaufman,
Billboard,
5 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
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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
-
Founded by Frank Fertitta IV and Landon Gyulay, the Easy Day Foundation is a 501(c)(3) grant-making nonprofit committed to helping Veterans transition to civilian life by addressing critical needs including mental health care, job training, placement, and family support services.—
Jem Aswad,
Variety,
5 May 2025
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Update: Republished on May 4 with a critical new fix that impacts Gmail users and more information on passkeys and plans to delete passwords altogether.—
Zak Doffman,
Forbes.com,
4 May 2025
Cite this Entry
“Key.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/key. Accessed 21 May. 2025.
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