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
1
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
as in to reconcile
to bring to a state free of conflicts, inconsistencies, or differences
her response was perfectly keyed to the situation
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of key
Lindsay Whitehurst, Los Angeles Times, 18 Feb. 2025
Acknowledging these feelings without judgment is key.
—Dominique Fluker, Essence, 18 Feb. 2025
Thomas Tracy, New York Daily News, 6 Feb. 2025
Spoiler alert: Subscribers can take a peek at the answer key.
—Deb Amlen, New York Times, 6 Feb. 2025
Kevin Dotson, CNN, 19 Jan. 2025
The historic 5-under 67 round by Rose is keyed by a back-nine 31.
—Houston Mitchell, Los Angeles Times, 29 Oct. 2024
See all Example Sentences for key 
Adjective
Musk’s exact role could be key in the legal fight over DOGE’s access to government data as the Trump administration moves to lay off thousands of federal workers.
—Lindsay Whitehurst, Los Angeles Times, 18 Feb. 2025
Acknowledging these feelings without judgment is key.
—Dominique Fluker, Essence, 18 Feb. 2025
Noun
The 15-year-old boy arrested earlier this week had a set of subway train keys on him when he was taken into custody, officials said.
—Thomas Tracy, New York Daily News, 6 Feb. 2025
Spoiler alert: Subscribers can take a peek at the answer key.
—Deb Amlen, New York Times, 6 Feb. 2025
Verb
The Mahomes to Kelce connection continued to key the Chiefs attack on their epic 13-play 7:44 drive.
—Kevin Dotson, CNN, 19 Jan. 2025
The historic 5-under 67 round by Rose is keyed by a back-nine 31.
—Houston Mitchell, Los Angeles Times, 29 Oct. 2024
See all Example Sentences for key
Recent Examples of Synonyms for key
Adjective
-
Here are some highlights from the discussion: Drake became the show’s main character in absentia.—
Brian Hiatt,
Rolling Stone,
11 Feb. 2025
-
There will be new actors playing the series’ main characters, but no one has been cast yet.—
Dessi Gomez,
Deadline,
11 Feb. 2025
Adjective
-
Institutions like Catalan Films and the Catalonia Film Commission play a crucial role in promoting and internationalizing the region’s film production and help find investments and showcase the region’s service companies, contributing to the industry’s overall growth.—
Jamie Lang,
Variety,
15 Feb. 2025
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The Department of Veterans Affairs, which provides crucial services and benefits to military veterans, laid off more than 1,000 employees on Thursday alone, with VA Secretary Doug Collins claiming that the move would save the department $98 million per year.—
Nik Popli,
TIME,
15 Feb. 2025
Noun
-
Related article Europe fears Trump-Putin ‘dirty deal’ as Ukraine scrambles for a seat at the table The IAEA said its team responded to the explosion within minutes and that no casualties were reported.—
Daria Tarasova-Markina,
CNN,
14 Feb. 2025
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The best protection would be the NATO membership that Ukraine has long been promised, but the U.S. has taken that option off the table.—
Lorne Cook,
Chicago Tribune,
14 Feb. 2025
Noun
-
With Hurry Up Tomorrow now out via XO/Republic Records, the performance stands as a gateway into The Weeknd’s latest (and potentially final) chapter under his longtime moniker.—
Jessica Lynch,
Billboard,
31 Jan. 2025
-
Athens is also a gateway to a huge number of Greek islands, which are full of historical attractions and beach resorts.—
Jonathan Granoff,
Newsweek,
29 Jan. 2025
Noun
-
But with less vegetation to burn, the areas can provide an access point for firefighters.—
Lauren Sommer,
NPR,
11 Feb. 2025
-
Mero Beach is close to Roseau, Dominica’s capital, and offers convenient access to many nearby pubs and restaurants.—
Kaitlyn Rosati,
AFAR Media,
11 Feb. 2025
Verb
-
Everybody was on pins and needles waiting to see: Could this thing be reconciled?—
Chris Willman,
Variety,
10 Feb. 2025
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Here’s why that’s dangerous But the annual revision is a routine review of the surveys that generate monthly employment data, which are then reconciled with estimates from other statistical sources that weren’t available when the numbers were first reported.—
Bryan Mena,
CNN,
7 Feb. 2025
Adjective
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Reclaimed white pine flooring by the Hudson Company stands in handsome contrast to board-and-batten paneling in the primary bathroom, where the tub is by Randolph Morris.—
Elizabeth Fazzare,
Architectural Digest,
17 Feb. 2025
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Testers considered performance across four primary categories: efficacy, texture and experience, fragrance, and packaging.—
Christa Joanna Lee,
Allure,
17 Feb. 2025
Adjective
-
Ratner makes the case that public policy is critical to public health.—
Maria Godoy,
NPR,
11 Feb. 2025
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Statehood for Greenland would give Democrats a guarantee of three more electoral votes, which could be critical in a tight presidential election.—
Steve Forbes,
Forbes,
11 Feb. 2025
Thesaurus Entries Near key
Cite this Entry
“Key.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/key. Accessed 21 Feb. 2025.
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