key to

phrasal verb

keyed to; keying to; keys to

chiefly US

: 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 to

The educational program is keyed to the needs of working women.

: 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 Maxine refuses to cooperate, being more unnerved by the sleazy private eye John Labat (Kevin Bacon), who knows her real name and — more importantly — seems to hold the key to the real killer’s identity. —

Damon Wise, Deadline, 26 June 2024 At that time, Green took a train trip to Chicago to establish his alibi for the murder and gave Cutler the keys to his vehicle and Peters’ apartment. —

Kc Baker, Peoplemag, 26 June 2024 Only medical employees, the officer and other officers had access to the keys to the Denver Mint’s medical offices, the complaint says. —

Julia Marnin, Sacramento Bee, 26 June 2024 And a healthy separation of church and state was key to ensuring those freedoms. —

Steven K. Green, Baltimore Sun, 26 June 2024 See all Example Sentences for key to

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'key to.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.