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

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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
But the key journey, and that’s what Mike had chosen, was the Matt Hagen version. — Jordan Moreau, Variety, 25 Oct. 2026 The vessel’s ability to move under its own power is a key part of the concept. — Bojan Stojkovski, Interesting Engineering, 25 Oct. 2026
Noun
There are full-size Backspace, Delete, and arrow keys, in addition to a number pad and a separate row of volume controls. — Marshall Honorof, PC Magazine, 24 Oct. 2026 When reviewing nearly 17,000 missing persons reports left him with no leads, Cooper turned to the 29 keys that had been sitting in an evidence room for decades, collecting dust. — Lauren Mascarenhas, CNN Money, 24 Oct. 2026
Verb
After Grant’s 60-yard score to Rattler put the Cougars up 12-6, Cleveland drove 80 yards in 12 plays, keyed by three completions by quarterback Domenik Fuentes and punctuated by Joseph Hurtado’s one-yard touchdown run. — Joel Beers, Los Angeles Times, 26 Sep. 2026 Konnor Griffin hit a two-run single to key a five-run second inning and Henry Davis tacked on a two-run homer to lead the Pittsburgh Pirates over the NL Central champion Milwaukee Brewers 7-4 on Thursday. — CBS News, 17 Sep. 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
  • The kingdom partially resumed operations at its main airport on Sunday despite damage from earlier attacks, even as the Houthis threatened further strikes.
    — Lee Ying Shan, CNBC, 26 Oct. 2026
  • The project will also improve sewer main capacity by upsizing a parallel line.
    — Randy Moll, Arkansas Online, 26 Oct. 2026
Definition of main
Adjective
  • Argyle entered a district game against Colleyville Heritage without a crucial starter.
    — Charles Baggarly, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 24 Oct. 2026
  • Built over 22 years The green light follows a crucial safety assessment issued on 4 August 2026 by Finland’s Radiation and Nuclear Safety Authority (STUK).
    — Mrigakshi Dixit, Interesting Engineering, 23 Oct. 2026
Definition of crucial
Noun
  • Once again, if Tesla were bringing already big and fast-rising profits to the table, the task wouldn’t be nearly as difficult.
    — Shawn Tully, Fortune, 22 Oct. 2026
  • Military force may alter the balance of pain without resolving the disputes each side will eventually have to confront across the negotiating table.
    — Ali Vaez, Time, 21 Oct. 2026
Definition of table
Noun
  • Nature lovers, artists (Ansel Adams found a muse in the Snake River), and outdoor adventurers know the gateway to Yellowstone and Grand Teton National Parks is more than just a winter sports destination.
    — Lindsay Cohn, Vogue, 23 Oct. 2026
  • But a presence at niche, collectible design events can be a gateway to a unique clientele.
    — Sofia Celeste, Footwear News, 21 Oct. 2026
Definition of gateway
Noun
  • Get unlimited access to Washington Examiner's midterm coverage, analysis, and political insights.
    — Hudson Crozier, The Washington Examiner, 22 Oct. 2026
  • And security researchers have found vulnerabilities in the app, including one that allowed an attacker to access user data, the Information reported.
    — Andrew R. Chow, Time, 22 Oct. 2026
Definition of access
Verb
  • Lula has struggled to reconcile his party’s traditional positions with demands for tougher action.
    — Alessandra Freitas, CNN Money, 25 Oct. 2026
  • The two versions of Israel that could result are so divergent as to seem impossible to reconcile.
    — Ruth Margalit, New Yorker, 25 Oct. 2026
Definition of reconcile
Adjective
  • The Heat used Larsson, Portis, Hardaway and Nikola Jovic as its four primary reserves for the third straight game to start the season.
    — Anthony Chiang, Miami Herald, 25 Oct. 2026
  • One thing most agree on is that the diminishment of competitive seats leads to greater polarization because legislators are only beholden to primary voters.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 24 Oct. 2026
Definition of primary
Adjective
  • This is becoming increasingly critical as water scarcity puts growing pressure on communities and infrastructure, including in traditionally water-secure regions.
    — Melissa Hancock, Fortune, 21 Oct. 2026
  • The company says the system is critical to successful missile operations during flight.
    — Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 21 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 27 Oct. 2026.

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