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
Ben Morse, CNN Money, 18 Sep. 2025
Having patience with a young player is key.
—Evan Massey, MSNBC Newsweek, 18 Sep. 2025
Charles Jefferies, PC Magazine, 18 Sep. 2025
The exterior features a discrete zippered laptop pocket on the back, a stretchy mesh water bottle holder on the side, and a slim, zippered front compartment perfect for stashing your keys, passport, and phone.
—Amelia McBride, Travel + Leisure, 18 Sep. 2025
Patrick Merrell, PEOPLE, 12 Sep. 2025
The duo keyed a fourth quarter start that quickly bumped a six-point lead to 13.
—Mike Cook, Twin Cities, 12 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for key
Adjective
Collier’s 24 points were key in the Lynx’s one-point victory in front of a raucous, sellout home crowd for the Valkyries as Minnesota sealed the best-of-three series triumph, 2-0.
—Ben Morse, CNN Money, 18 Sep. 2025
Having patience with a young player is key.
—Evan Massey, MSNBC Newsweek, 18 Sep. 2025
Noun
For mainstream buyers seeking a capable 16-inch system, the key is timing—Dell’s ever-spinning carousel of deals can turn this safe bet into a standout value, earning it our Editors' Choice award for midrange desktop replacements.
—Charles Jefferies, PC Magazine, 18 Sep. 2025
The exterior features a discrete zippered laptop pocket on the back, a stretchy mesh water bottle holder on the side, and a slim, zippered front compartment perfect for stashing your keys, passport, and phone.
—Amelia McBride, Travel + Leisure, 18 Sep. 2025
Verb
To bring up help at any point in time, press control, shift, and h keys together.
—Patrick Merrell, PEOPLE, 12 Sep. 2025
The duo keyed a fourth quarter start that quickly bumped a six-point lead to 13.
—Mike Cook, Twin Cities, 12 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for key
Recent Examples of Synonyms for key
Adjective
-
The character collection leans into more alternate builds for main characters.—
Rob Wieland,
Forbes.com,
17 Sep. 2025
-
Use jig and pigs 18 to 25 feet deep along brush piles or main lake points with a gradual slope.—
Arkansas Online,
Arkansas Online,
16 Sep. 2025
Adjective
-
The character's scientific background becomes crucial to the investigation.—
Veronica Villafañe,
Forbes.com,
19 Sep. 2025
-
Windshield wipers are a crucial yet often overlooked part of a vehicle.—
Keenan Thompson,
USA Today,
18 Sep. 2025
Noun
-
For instance, Time magazine pounced on findings from a recent Cato Institute study, particularly a data table breaking down, by ideology, politically motivated murders between January 1975 and September 2025.—
Mia Cathell,
The Washington Examiner,
22 Sep. 2025
-
The draw means Sunderland are seventh in the table.—
Michael Walker,
New York Times,
22 Sep. 2025
Noun
-
Over a thousand tourists have been evacuated from Machu Picchu, with hundreds of others stranded, this week due to demonstrations by residents in Aguas Calientes – the gateway to Peru's famous archaeological site – blocking transportation services.—
Kathleen Wong,
USA Today,
17 Sep. 2025
-
The city of Cusco in the Andes mountains is a common gateway destination for travelers bound for Machu Picchu.—
Jimena De La Quintana,
CNN Money,
17 Sep. 2025
Noun
-
Dell Optimizer provides power profiles and display settings, while the Dell SupportAssist app provides support access and system updates.—
Charles Jefferies,
PC Magazine,
18 Sep. 2025
-
Aid groups say the Israeli military continues to restrict access to food, water, and humanitarian aid, worsening a crisis already marked by starvation and displacement.—
Kaity Kline,
NPR,
18 Sep. 2025
Verb
-
By the series finale, the two had reconciled and were raising their two kids together.—
Allison DeGrushe,
Entertainment Weekly,
20 Sep. 2025
-
King and Conqueror, a new series about the Norman takeover, is the BBC’s attempt to reconcile this older story with the newer one.—
Will Collins,
The Washington Examiner,
19 Sep. 2025
Adjective
-
The game’s primary goal is to shed light on the struggles of being forced into a refugee camp.—
Lisa Deaderick,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
20 Sep. 2025
-
The reason for the Fed’s tentative steps is its two primary and potentially clashing mandates — maximum sustainable employment and price stability.—
Erik Sherman,
Forbes.com,
20 Sep. 2025
Adjective
-
Xi Jinping has remarked that relying on foreign supply of critical technologies—like semiconductors—is tantamount to building one's house on someone else's foundation.—
Joel Thayer,
MSNBC Newsweek,
16 Sep. 2025
-
Bynum made a diving catch that extinguished a critical drive for the Broncos.—
The Athletic NFL Staff,
New York Times,
15 Sep. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Key.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/key. Accessed 23 Sep. 2025.
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