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
Expert Panel®, Forbes.com, 24 July 2025
The coalition's concerns center on several key issues: the environmental impact of data centers, potential job displacement, and the lack of meaningful safety standards.
—Stephen Clark, ArsTechnica, 24 July 2025
Keenan Thompson, Freep.com, 24 July 2025
Owners can also desensitize their pups to departure cues such as grabbing keys by performing these actions without actually leaving.
—Maria Morava, MSNBC Newsweek, 23 July 2025
Kyle Newman, Denver Post, 3 July 2025
But the Mets’ lead melted away the moment Montas left Tuesday night’s game, as a bullpen implosion keyed a 7-4 loss to the Atlanta Braves.
—Peter Sblendorio, New York Daily News, 25 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for key
Adjective
Focus on weaving core principles into daily operations while documenting key decisions to preserve institutional memory.
—Expert Panel®, Forbes.com, 24 July 2025
The coalition's concerns center on several key issues: the environmental impact of data centers, potential job displacement, and the lack of meaningful safety standards.
—Stephen Clark, ArsTechnica, 24 July 2025
Noun
The old-fashioned way of stealing the keys and hopping in the car to drive away is still around even with the rise of more advanced methods.
—Keenan Thompson, Freep.com, 24 July 2025
Owners can also desensitize their pups to departure cues such as grabbing keys by performing these actions without actually leaving.
—Maria Morava, MSNBC Newsweek, 23 July 2025
Verb
Hitters are keyed in on Kyle Freeland more than at any point in his career.
—Kyle Newman, Denver Post, 3 July 2025
But the Mets’ lead melted away the moment Montas left Tuesday night’s game, as a bullpen implosion keyed a 7-4 loss to the Atlanta Braves.
—Peter Sblendorio, New York Daily News, 25 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for key
Recent Examples of Synonyms for key
Adjective
-
The tournament grounds feature three main retail sites: the Centre Court Shop, the No. 1 Court Shop and the Museum Shop, along with five express shops and an additional nine kiosks.—
Tim Newcomb,
Forbes.com,
16 July 2025
-
Atrium Ljungberg, White Arkitekter A huge, new city is being built in Sweden, but it’s not being constructed using steel or concrete — its main building material is wood.—
Lucy Handley,
CNBC,
15 July 2025
Adjective
-
Therefore, long-term planning can play a crucial role in unlocking the financial flexibility that helps to allow retirees to sleep well at night, free from the fear of depleting their nest egg.—
Wes Moss,
Forbes.com,
22 July 2025
-
Attorneys make a crucial difference for a child or a teen.—
Nicol León,
AZCentral.com,
22 July 2025
Noun
-
Just as theatrical—and perhaps even more thrilling—is the restaurant’s turmeric-marinated catfish, the fish cut into hunks and twice-cooked: first, with a crisping swim in the kitchen’s deep fryer, offstage in the kitchen, then at the table, in a sizzling skillet set over a portable burner.—
Helen Rosner,
New Yorker,
20 July 2025
-
Dagwood carries on his arms and head a cornucopia of ingredients from the fridge to the kitchen table.—
Richard Lederer,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
19 July 2025
Noun
-
Understanding your trauma response can be a gateway to real change.—
Mark Travers,
Forbes.com,
15 July 2025
-
Elston should be the gateway to Lincoln Yards, but when a popular band is performing at the Salt Shed between Division Street and North Avenue, Elston seizes up.—
F.K. Plous,
Chicago Tribune,
11 July 2025
Noun
-
This democratizes access to expertise that was once limited by location or network.—
David Henkin,
Forbes.com,
16 July 2025
-
Democratic lawmakers were initially blocked from visiting the site and have since filed legal action to gain access.—
Amanda Castro,
MSNBC Newsweek,
15 July 2025
Verb
-
The two brothers haven’t seen eye to eye in years, and though King Charles reportedly wants to reconcile with his son—perhaps an aftereffect of his cancer journey, Prince William doesn’t seem as inclined to do so.—
Lissete Lanuza Sáenz,
StyleCaster,
15 July 2025
-
After despising and envying his seemingly perfect new partner from afar, their coffee date is a chance for Jessica to reconcile with the fact that Wendy was never the bad guy after all.—
Patrick Ryan,
USA Today,
13 July 2025
Adjective
-
No, corn sweat is not the primary cause behind the heat wave Cincinnati is experiencing this week.—
Grace Tucker,
The Enquirer,
24 July 2025
-
Last month’s mayoral primary election showed New Yorkers want their leaders to commit to bold transformative ideas.—
Tony Simone,
New York Daily News,
23 July 2025
Adjective
-
Future View Of Mentorship Looking ahead, the role of mentors in fostering innovation will become even more critical and nuanced.—
David Henkin,
Forbes.com,
16 July 2025
-
KPop Demon Hunters has received widespread critical praise, sitting pretty at a 96% rating on Rotten Tomatoes.—
Allison DeGrushe Published,
EW.com,
15 July 2025
Cite this Entry
“Key.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/key. Accessed 29 Jul. 2025.
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