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

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2
as in gateway
something that allows someone to achieve a desired goal a good education is the key to success

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3
as in access
the means or right of entering or participating in he had found the key to her heart

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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
Ukraine, meantime, has also recently ramped up missile and drone attacks against key infrastructure deep inside Russian territory, including oil refineries, ports and military factories. — Helen Regan, CNN Money, 6 July 2026 One of the key features is the dramatic spiral roof, which takes cues from an unfurled Chinese folding fan, a space that is accessible to visitors and serves as an observation deck overlooking the Huangpu River and the city's skyline. — New Atlas, 5 July 2026
Noun
The Airbnb logo appears on a mobile phone screen next to a key in Athens, Greece, on February 24, 2026. — Michael Goldstein, Forbes.com, 30 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
Clark finished with 21 points, forcing Toronto to respect her scoring ability and preventing defenders from keying solely on her passing. — Alejandro Avila Outkick, FOXNews.com, 17 June 2026 Seiya Suzuki singled in two runs to key a three-run 10th inning and Jordan Wicks, called up earlier Sunday, got a game-ending double play with the bases loaded to preserve the Chicago Cubs 4-3 victory over the Milwaukee Brewers in the decider of the three-game series. — CBS News, 28 June 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
  • Of the 33 schools awarded grants, 19 schools opted for main entrance improvements while 14 chose to modernize their check-in and visitor badging systems.
    — Michelle Mullins, Chicago Tribune, 5 July 2026
  • India’s main stock index last month outperformed other emerging markets by the most since November, and foreign outflows hit a four-month low.
    — J.D. Capelouto, semafor.com, 5 July 2026
Definition of main
Adjective
  • Both Wine Institute and the California Association of Winegrape Growers applauded the recent letters from Congress to Quebec, saying getting American wine back into Canada is crucial to aiding their struggling industry.
    — Lizzie Kane, Sacbee.com, 3 July 2026
  • Fairview a ‘crucial’ crossing The two Fairview bridges were built 44 years apart.
    — Mark Dee July 3, Idaho Statesman, 3 July 2026
Definition of crucial
Noun
  • Be sure to cover your head and neck with your arms, and crawl under a sturdy table if possible.
    — CA Earthquake Bot, Sacbee.com, 4 July 2026
  • Guests also visited a memory table filled with photos of Love and her father together, along with some of his favorite things, including a football, weights and his scriptures.
    — Tereza Shkurtaj, PEOPLE, 4 July 2026
Definition of table
Noun
  • Aysnc, the organization responsible for opening the gateway to the Backrooms, was seen at the end of the movie when Mary escapes and ends up speaking with Async researcher Phil (Mark Duplass) in a private room.
    — Arushi Jacob, Variety, 3 July 2026
  • For ALL Accor, that means using hotels not just as places to sleep, but as gateways into culture, sport, music and food.
    — Jeff Fromm, Forbes.com, 2 July 2026
Definition of gateway
Noun
  • Those groups also have lower access to drugs that can stop the transmission of HIV.
    — Tamar Hallerman, AJC.com, 1 July 2026
  • 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.
    — Tami Luhby, CNN Money, 1 July 2026
Definition of access
Verb
  • 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.
    — Christopher Lamb, CNN Money, 30 June 2026
  • Mutual friends are reportedly hoping Swift and Keleigh can reconcile soon.
    — Allison DeGrushe, StyleCaster, 30 June 2026
Definition of reconcile
Adjective
  • The former second-round pick is suddenly one of the Lakers’ primary summer league players and hopes to use the experience as an important stepping stone, building up his game while also establishing a leadership voice.
    — Assistant Sports Editor, Los Angeles Times, 6 July 2026
  • Both the primary and extension drive use the standard 1/4-inch hex specification, which, according to the creators, will cover over 95% of random everyday tasks – from bicycle maintenance to small home repairs and furniture assembly.
    — Maryna Holovnova, New Atlas, 6 July 2026
Definition of primary
Adjective
  • The unorthodox midterm convention comes as Democrats continue to poll stronger than Republicans ahead of November's critical elections.
    — Fernando Cervantes Jr, USA Today, 1 July 2026
  • Kennard could have provided a critical floor-spacing piece around Doncic, who thrives when surrounded by lob-catching centers, athletic wings and knockdown shooters.
    — Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 1 July 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 7 Jul. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on key

Nglish: Translation of key for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about key

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