key 1 of 3

adjective

Definition of keynext
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

key

2 of 3

noun

ˈkē How to pronounce key (audio)
1
as in table
an explanatory list of the symbols on a map or chart in order to know what those dotted lines represent, you'll need to look at the key

Synonyms & Similar Words
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

key

3 of 3

verb

as in to reconcile
to bring to a state free of conflicts, inconsistencies, or differences her response was perfectly keyed to the situation

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of key
Adjective
More vessels were hit in waters near Iran and Oman, even as Tehran restated its conditions for reopening the key waterway. — Anniek Bao, CNBC, 5 Oct. 2026 Miami has caught the injury bug this year, with multiple key players out for the year and several suffering injuries that have kept them out for weeks. — Adam Lichtenstein, Sun Sentinel, 4 Oct. 2026
Noun
The key is in rolling dough by hand and giving it plenty of time to ferment. — Sheeka Sanahori, Bon Appetit Magazine, 5 Oct. 2026 Pressing the switch moves the magnet closer to the keyboard’s PCB, which houses a Hall-effect sensor for each key. — ArsTechnica, 5 Oct. 2026
Verb
Daylen Lile tripled to key a four-run rally in the eighth inning, Jacob Young and Dylan Crews added RBIs and the Washington Nationals beat the Los Angeles Angels 6-5 on Sunday to complete a three-game sweep. — ABC News, 13 Sep. 2026 Craig was sacked three times and once UNC started keying on the run, the Horned Frogs struggled to match the Tar Heels’ physicality. — Steven Johnson, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 30 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for key
Recent Examples of Synonyms for key
  1. main
  2. crucial
  3. table
  4. gateway
  5. access
  6. reconcile
  7. primary
  8. critical
Adjective
  • Homegrown chip design firm SkyeChip also enjoyed a blockbuster IPO on the Bursa Malaysia stock exchange in May, surging 300% on its main market debut.
    — Angelica Ang, Fortune, 5 Oct. 2026
  • AbdulSalam Mohammed, president of the Abaad Studies & Research Center and an adviser to Yemen’s Information Ministry, told the Washington Examiner that government forces are currently focused on defending against the Houthis along three main axes.
    — Brady Knox, The Washington Examiner, 4 Oct. 2026
Definition of main
Adjective
  • That was crucial, as cockpit doors are typically locked to prevent hijackings.
    — Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 2 Oct. 2026
  • Berkshire Hathaway held a major GM stake when Barra became CEO, and Buffett delivered a crucial vote of confidence in her leadership amid the 2014 recall crisis.
    — Alyson Shontell, Fortune, 2 Oct. 2026
Definition of crucial
Noun
  • The 6,600-square-foot 5-bedroom residence sleeps 10 and is outfitted with a massive living room with 2 televisions, a pool table, and a record player.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 8 Oct. 2026
  • Suddenly, the entire table erupts, simultaneously talking over one another about who said what at what time to whom.
    — Tom Smyth, Vulture, 8 Oct. 2026
Definition of table
Noun
  • India’s major container gateways are moving substantial volumes as more merchandise floods out of the country.
    — Glenn Taylor, Footwear News, 2 Oct. 2026
  • Researchers treat the mouth as a gateway to whole-body health, and people who keep their teeth into old age tend to outlive those who don’t.
    — Hanna Wickes, Charlotte Observer, 2 Oct. 2026
Definition of gateway
Noun
  • They’re drawn by its floor-to-ceiling windows and Hudson River views, plus the porte-cochere that allows discreet access to $500,000 parking spaces away from paparazzi and nosy neighbors.
    — Matthew Sedacca, Curbed, 8 Oct. 2026
  • The major change in the room selection is that club level access is now an option which gets guests a dedicated concierge, gourmet culinary and a gorgeous lounge that has a great view of the resort pool.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 8 Oct. 2026
Definition of access
Verb
  • Although the two reconciled, Flávio is still struggling to make ground with that base.
    — Alessandra Freitas, CNN Money, 4 Oct. 2026
  • Not just that, as much as Charles would like to see his sons reconcile, William reportedly has no plans for that ever happening.
    — Lizzie Lanuza, StyleCaster, 4 Oct. 2026
Definition of reconcile
Adjective
  • The war crimes that were brought to the fore on the stage by Macklemore’s speech are the ones that should be the primary focus.
    — Brian Hiatt, Rolling Stone, 3 Oct. 2026
  • Simmons made some phenomenal throws all over the field, including to his primary receiver, Cayden Lee.
    — PJ Green, Kansas City Star, 3 Oct. 2026
Definition of primary
Adjective
  • Accessibility At 900 feet high, accessibility played a critical role in the project.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 7 Oct. 2026
  • Washington has placed greater emphasis on producing critical weapons at higher rates.
    — Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 6 Oct. 2026
Definition of critical

Browse Nearby Words

kettles of fish
key
keyboardist
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Cite this Entry

“Key.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/key. Accessed 9 Oct. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on key

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about key

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