Synonyms of key

key 1 of 3

adjective

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

• main
• primary
• greatest
• highest
• predominant
• dominant
• foremost
• big
• first
• leading
• central
• principal
• chief
• paramount
• supreme
• overriding
• cardinal
• great
• prior
• major
• master
• primal
• premier
• capital
• important
• sovereign
• number one
• top
• overbearing
• outstanding
• notable
• preeminent
• distinguished
• grand
• noteworthy
• signal
• eminent
• senior
• prestigious
• overmastering
• high-level
• numero uno
• arch
• influential
• stellar
• illustrious
• significant
• momentous
• superior
• star
• mighty
• noble
• famous
• unparalleled
• incomparable
• renowned
• celebrated
• unequaled
• unsurpassed
• famed
• matchless

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• last
• least
• minor
• unimportant
• trivial
• insignificant
• secondary
• slight
• negligible
• subordinate
• collateral
• inconsequential
• inferior
• inconsiderable
• trifling
• subsidiary

2

as in crucial

of the greatest possible importance

first—and this is key—I wasn't even there that evening

Synonyms & Similar Words

• crucial
• critical
• vital
• essential
• pivotal
• fundamental
• basic
• necessary
• decisive
• elementary
• instrumental
• requisite
• urgent
• life-and-death
• indispensable
• pressing
• weighty

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• minor
• unimportant
• trivial
• insignificant
• inconsequential

key

2 of 3

noun

ˈkē 

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

• table
• scale
• caption
• legend
• guide

2

as in gateway

something that allows someone to achieve a desired goal

a good education is the key to success

Synonyms & Similar Words

• gateway
• ticket
• passport
• secret
• approach
• method
• way
• means
• success
• open sesame
• password
• technique
• system
• strategy
• blueprint
• achievement
• plan
• triumph
• program
• style
• attainment
• accomplishment
• coup
• scheme
• manner
• design
• ground plan

3

as in access

the means or right of entering or participating in

he had found the key to her heart

Synonyms & Similar Words

• access
• door
• entry
• entrance
• accession
• gateway
• admission
• doorway
• passport
• ticket
• admittance
• entrée
• approval
• certification
• permission
• qualification
• ingress
• authorization
• open door
• welcome mat

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• removal
• rejection
• dismissal
• discharge
• expulsion
• ejection
• ouster

key

3 of 3

verb

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

• reconcile
• coordinate
• integrate
• combine
• align
• adapt
• match
• harmonize
• suit
• balance
• conform
• correlate
• attune
• accommodate
• connect
• merge
• tune
• conciliate
• proportion
• blend
• pair
• unite
• synthesize
• array
• unify
• fit
• synchronize
• fuse
• standardize
• order
• even
• join
• equalize
• orchestrate
• dovetail
• square
• arrange
• regularize

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• upset
• disrupt
• confuse
• disturb
• disarray
• skew
• disharmonize
• disorganize
• alienate
• disorder
• estrange

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of key

Adjective

Being able to trust each other, trust our processes, (was key). — Paul Newman, New York Times, 5 July 2026

One of the key features is the dramatic spiral roof, which takes cues from an unfurled Chinese folding fan, a space that is accessible to visitors and serves as an observation deck overlooking the Huangpu River and the city's skyline. — New Atlas, 5 July 2026

Noun

The return of White keys the Hornets’ roster shift, triggered with the departure of Ball and his alley-oop buddy Miles Bridges. — Roderick Boone, Charlotte Observer, 7 July 2026

Traditionally, court reporters have used 22-key steno machines to rapidly take down every word said by lawyers, judges and anyone else who speaks on the record during an official proceeding. — Sonja Sharp, Los Angeles Times, 6 July 2026

Verb

Wade Meckler and Jo Adell keyed a five-run second inning with two-run doubles, and Walbert Ureña navigated heavy traffic through five shutout innings to lead the Los Angeles Angels to a 10-1 victory over the Houston Astros on Tuesday night. — ABC News, 10 June 2026

On the flip side, opposing secondaries keyed in on Sutton in 2025, often putting a natural cap on Denver’s offense. — Luca Evans, Denver Post, 7 June 2026