key to
verb
keyed to; keying to; keys to
chiefly US
1
: to make (something) suitable for (a particular use or type of person)
I try to key my lectures to my audience.
—often used as (be) keyed toThe educational program is keyed to the needs of working women.
2
: to change (something) in a way that is closely related to (something else)
—usually used as (be) keyed to
The amount of money they receive is keyed to the rate of inflation.
Examples of key to in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
This week, Carlos Alcaraz took over clay season without hitting a ball, a very patriotic fuel source was key to one player’s Italian Open run and the lawsuit hanging over professional tennis took a new twist.
—
Ava Wallace, New York Times, 18 May 2026
One key to Bad Mary’s persistence in the American mind can be found in the temperamental polarity that first drew Mary Todd and Abraham Lincoln to each other.
—Thomas Mallon, New Yorker, 18 May 2026
For Antos, the key to successfully playing in these fan favorite sandboxes requires a deep respect for the material.
—Josh Weiss, Forbes.com, 18 May 2026
Regular cleaning is key to avoiding soap scum buildup and hard water stains.
—Maria Sabella, The Spruce, 18 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for key to
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.
Ava Wallace, New York Times, 18 May 2026
One key to Bad Mary’s persistence in the American mind can be found in the temperamental polarity that first drew Mary Todd and Abraham Lincoln to each other.
—Thomas Mallon, New Yorker, 18 May 2026
For Antos, the key to successfully playing in these fan favorite sandboxes requires a deep respect for the material.
—Josh Weiss, Forbes.com, 18 May 2026
Regular cleaning is key to avoiding soap scum buildup and hard water stains.
—Maria Sabella, The Spruce, 18 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for key to
Cite this Entry
“Key to.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/key%20to. Accessed 20 May. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
