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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
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Recent Examples of key
Adam Lichtenstein,
Sun Sentinel,
22 June 2026
The category posted strong single-digit sales gains overall, with key franchises posting double-digit increases.
—
Jean E. Palmieri,
Footwear News,
22 June 2026
Hannah McIlree,
CBS News,
29 June 2026
Unlike the Razr Ultra and Edge, the Razr+ doesn’t have an AI key that launches Moto AI.
—
Kimberly Gedeon,
PC Magazine,
29 June 2026
ABC News,
10 June 2026
On the flip side, opposing secondaries keyed in on Sutton in 2025, often putting a natural cap on Denver’s offense.
—
Luca Evans,
Denver Post,
7 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for key
Adjective
Cooper quickly became a key part of the Hurricanes’ offensive line, taking over as the starting right guard as a freshman and holding down that spot for the next three seasons.
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Adam Lichtenstein,
Sun Sentinel,
22 June 2026
The category posted strong single-digit sales gains overall, with key franchises posting double-digit increases.
—
Jean E. Palmieri,
Footwear News,
22 June 2026
Noun
Doctors say the key is recognizing symptoms early and taking action before heat exhaustion turns into a more serious medical emergency.
—
Hannah McIlree,
CBS News,
29 June 2026
Unlike the Razr Ultra and Edge, the Razr+ doesn’t have an AI key that launches Moto AI.
—
Kimberly Gedeon,
PC Magazine,
29 June 2026
Verb
Wade Meckler and Jo Adell keyed a five-run second inning with two-run doubles, and Walbert Ureña navigated heavy traffic through five shutout innings to lead the Los Angeles Angels to a 10-1 victory over the Houston Astros on Tuesday night.
—
ABC News,
10 June 2026
On the flip side, opposing secondaries keyed in on Sutton in 2025, often putting a natural cap on Denver’s offense.
—
Luca Evans,
Denver Post,
7 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for key
Recent Examples of Synonyms for key
Adjective
-
Because Swift has no docking ports or grappling fixtures to grab onto, Katalyst built its 880-pound, 5-foot tall LINK spacecraft with a custom robotic capture mechanism that will attach to a feature on the satellite’s main structure.
-
One of the festival’s main attractions is the FIFA store, an 8,000-square-foot indoor facility on the east side of the grounds.
Adjective
-
The winner of tonight's crucial Australia-Paraguay match will move on to the round of 32.
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Meanwhile, the country’s crucial oil industry needs billions of dollars of investment to get anywhere close to the halcyon days of the late 1990s when production was at its height.
Noun
-
With salon gel manicures and pedicures climbing past $40 a visit, social media tutorials demystifying nail care and growing concern about gel ingredients, more people are trading the salon chair for a setup on the kitchen table.
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Stepping out of a restaurant onto the bustling streets of Ho Chi Minh City, as diners sit at street tables, the shooter pulls out a gun and fires on his targets from behind.
Noun
-
In Africa and the Middle East, where affordable devices have been the primary gateway to the internet for hundreds of millions of people, the drop is projected to exceed 20 percent.
-
No other airline has plans to compete with the carrier, sticking instead to traditional one-stop gateways, like Dubai, Los Angeles, or Singapore.
Noun
-
Those groups also have lower access to drugs that can stop the transmission of HIV.
-
New 2026 graduates have the option of selecting the new RAP or tiered standard repayment plans but also have access to existing repayment options until July 2028.
Verb
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In recent decades, various popes have sought to reconcile with the group and in 2009 Pope Benedict XVI lifted the excommunications of the four bishops ordained in 1988.
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Mutual friends are reportedly hoping Swift and Keleigh can reconcile soon.
Adjective
-
Roughly two-thirds of American households own their primary residence, according to the Federal Survey of Consumer Finances from 2022, the most recent edition.
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The capacity of the primary viewing area at the Washington Monument is set at about 150,000, according to Secret Service Special Agent in Charge David Yamen, who runs the agency's dignitary protective division.
Adjective
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The unorthodox midterm convention comes as Democrats continue to poll stronger than Republicans ahead of November's critical elections.
-
Kennard could have provided a critical floor-spacing piece around Doncic, who thrives when surrounded by lob-catching centers, athletic wings and knockdown shooters.
Cite this Entry
“Key.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/key. Accessed 3 Jul. 2026.
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