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
Ultimately, the key to making congestion pricing zones both fair and popular is through the provision of alternative modes of transport beyond private vehicles – frequent and low-cost mass transit, and safe cycleways and footpaths.
—
Laurie Winkless, Forbes, 12 Mar. 2025
Among the limited number of dinosaurs remaining and residing in specialized biospheres, three of the creatures hold the key to a potentially life-saving drug.
—Lexy Perez, The Hollywood Reporter, 11 Mar. 2025
While some believe certain days of the week offer better prices, others argue that booking in advance is the key to savings.
—Faisal Kutty, Newsweek, 11 Mar. 2025
However, rather than focusing on individual nutrients, the evidence suggests that overall dietary variety and balanced eating patterns are key to meeting nutritional needs.
—Anna Bisogno Papa, Baltimore Sun, 10 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for key to
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Laurie Winkless, Forbes, 12 Mar. 2025
Among the limited number of dinosaurs remaining and residing in specialized biospheres, three of the creatures hold the key to a potentially life-saving drug.
—Lexy Perez, The Hollywood Reporter, 11 Mar. 2025
While some believe certain days of the week offer better prices, others argue that booking in advance is the key to savings.
—Faisal Kutty, Newsweek, 11 Mar. 2025
However, rather than focusing on individual nutrients, the evidence suggests that overall dietary variety and balanced eating patterns are key to meeting nutritional needs.
—Anna Bisogno Papa, Baltimore Sun, 10 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for key to
Cite this Entry
“Key to.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/key%20to. Accessed 15 Mar. 2025.
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