key to
phrasal 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
The key to successful sports NFTs lies in their utility.
—
Michelle Greenwald, Forbes, 3 Feb. 2025
The key to a beautiful, food magazine-worthy sear is thoroughly drying them before searing.
—Alana Al-Hatlani, Southern Living, 3 Feb. 2025
My neighbor had a key to my house and knew the security code.
—Wonder Drake, Baltimore Sun, 2 Feb. 2025
Parker fills one of seven positions key to a transfer.
—Adam Leventhal, The Athletic, 2 Feb. 2025
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Michelle Greenwald, Forbes, 3 Feb. 2025
The key to a beautiful, food magazine-worthy sear is thoroughly drying them before searing.
—Alana Al-Hatlani, Southern Living, 3 Feb. 2025
My neighbor had a key to my house and knew the security code.
—Wonder Drake, Baltimore Sun, 2 Feb. 2025
Parker fills one of seven positions key to a transfer.
—Adam Leventhal, The Athletic, 2 Feb. 2025
See all Example Sentences for key to
Dictionary Entries Near key to
Cite this Entry
“Key to.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/key%20to. Accessed 6 Feb. 2025.
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