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 to
The 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
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The player’s preference is key to determining what happens. The Athletic Uk Staff, The Athletic, 10 Jan. 2025 This is crucial in today's market where authenticity and seamless brand experiences are key to engaging consumers effectively. True Tamplin, Forbes, 10 Jan. 2025 Moderation is the key to heating pad use, Sekhon tells PEOPLE. Bianca Lambert, People.com, 9 Jan. 2025 Diagnosis Your medical history is key to diagnosing the underlying cause of your groin pain. Ruth Jessen Hickman, Health, 9 Jan. 2025 See all Example Sentences for key to 

Dictionary Entries Near key to

Cite this Entry

“Key to.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/key%20to. Accessed 18 Jan. 2025.

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