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
Jack Birle, The Washington Examiner, 19 Apr. 2025
The District 3 race could also play a key role on whether Mahan successfully implements his policy agenda over the next year, as his bloc currently holds a slim voting advantage on the dais that could shift if Quevedo does not win the seat.
—Devan Patel, Mercury News, 19 Apr. 2025
Ryan Fonseca, Los Angeles Times, 18 Apr. 2025
The key for Canning was his fastball and throwing it high to finish off hitters.
—Abbey Mastracco, New York Daily News, 17 Apr. 2025
Rick Armstrong, Chicago Tribune, 7 Apr. 2025
While staying at our hotel, our vehicle was keyed within an hour of arriving.
—Preston Mizell, FOXNews.com, 28 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for key
Adjective
The Democratic primary could become a litmus test for the future of the party in a key swing state and Senate contest.
—Jack Birle, The Washington Examiner, 19 Apr. 2025
The District 3 race could also play a key role on whether Mahan successfully implements his policy agenda over the next year, as his bloc currently holds a slim voting advantage on the dais that could shift if Quevedo does not win the seat.
—Devan Patel, Mercury News, 19 Apr. 2025
Noun
Proponents say the key is to reengineer streets so that drivers are compelled to slow down and pay more attention to pedestrians, cyclists and other road users.
—Ryan Fonseca, Los Angeles Times, 18 Apr. 2025
The key for Canning was his fastball and throwing it high to finish off hitters.
—Abbey Mastracco, New York Daily News, 17 Apr. 2025
Verb
In the bottom half of the inning, her RBI double over the right fielder’s head keyed a rally that came up short.
—Rick Armstrong, Chicago Tribune, 7 Apr. 2025
While staying at our hotel, our vehicle was keyed within an hour of arriving.
—Preston Mizell, FOXNews.com, 28 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for key
Recent Examples of Synonyms for key
Adjective
-
In a Reuters/Ipsos poll conducted just after Trump's inauguration, some 55% of respondents said either inflation or the broader economy should be Trump's main focus in his first 100 days in office, which run through April 30.—
Jason Lange,
USA Today,
25 Apr. 2025
-
One study showed that consuming moderate- and high-GI fruits after main meals can improve blood insulin and insulin function.—
Merve Ceylan,
Health,
25 Apr. 2025
Adjective
-
With a constant wave of new competition flooding shelves—and social media—understanding your consumers' needs and habits has never been more crucial.—
Alexandra York,
Forbes.com,
15 Apr. 2025
-
All of these activities, at home and abroad, have shaped health policy in crucial ways that in turn protect people’s health.—
Casey Luc,
The Conversation,
14 Apr. 2025
Noun
-
How to Watch Bay FC vs. Seattle Reign: Date: Saturday, April 26, 2025 Time: 10:00 p.m. ET Venue: PayPal Park Channel: ION Stream: Fubo (try for free) Seattle Reign sit eighth on the table with seven points in five matches, courtesy of two wins, one draw, and two losses this season.—
Thomas G. Moukawsher,
MSNBC Newsweek,
27 Apr. 2025
-
Palace, sitting at the bottom of the Women’s Super League (WSL) table, were the perfect confidence-boosting shakeout as Chelsea won 4-0.—
Tamerra Griffin,
New York Times,
27 Apr. 2025
Noun
-
Set at the gateway to Arches and Canyonlands National Parks in Eastern Utah, the retreat will host just 40 guests across one-bedroom and two-bedroom standalone suites, designed for privacy and a connection to place.—
Nicole Trilivas,
Forbes.com,
24 Apr. 2025
-
With the new service, EVA Air will have nine gateways in North America.—
Katie Nadworny,
Travel + Leisure,
23 Apr. 2025
Noun
-
The City Council sued and requested an injunction blocking the opening of the ICE office, arguing that the agents stationed there would gain access to databases and personal information and raised concerns about deportations within the prison without due process.—
Thomas G. Moukawsher,
MSNBC Newsweek,
26 Apr. 2025
-
Garnett asked the government to submit a letter ensuring Mangione access to a separate phone line for his legal calls.—
Christopher Cann,
USA Today,
26 Apr. 2025
Verb
-
State agencies then set about reconciling the pre-existing medical cannabis regulations with the new adult use law.—
Robert Hoban,
Forbes.com,
21 Apr. 2025
-
Because the House made changes to the Senate’s original version, lawmakers will either need to form a conference committee to reconcile the differences or the Senate could vote to accept the House’s version as is.—
Tiffani Jackson,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
18 Apr. 2025
Adjective
-
The port has a heavy military presence in addition to being a primary hub for fuel imports, Yemeni sources said.—
USA Today,
USA Today,
19 Apr. 2025
-
Its new owner’s restoration and expansion project began in 2020, maintaining the character and materials of the original building while transforming attic space into a primary suite and opening the original attic staircase to the main floor.—
Heidi Finley,
Charlotte Observer,
18 Apr. 2025
Adjective
-
The order, which Trump signed in private, seeks to jumpstart the mining of both U.S. and international waters as part of a push to offset China's sweeping control of the critical minerals industry.—
Ernest Scheyder and Jarrett Renshaw,
USA Today,
26 Apr. 2025
-
Enough jaw-dropping critical injuries are sustained by characters in The Raid to overcrowd the Pitt.—
Andy Crump,
Time,
26 Apr. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Key.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/key. Accessed 1 May. 2025.
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