key to
verb
keyed to; keying to; keys to
chiefly US
1
: to make (something) suitable for (a particular use or type of person)
—often used as (be) keyed to
I try to key my lectures to my audience.
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
Somehow, the word, in its double-pronged definition, gets to the heart of these pictures, and perhaps is the key to understanding Hurst himself. —
Chris Wiley, New Yorker, 28 Apr. 2026 The reason for that assumption is that conserving energy is one of the keys to success in marathoning. —Adam Kovac, Scientific American, 27 Apr. 2026 Reduced to mere glimpses for the promo, her role is still the gravitational force driving the project — suggesting Hathaway’s performance will be key to bridging the gap between campy erotic thriller and prestige horror. —Alison Foreman, IndieWire, 27 Apr. 2026 For Pittsburgh, their offense is their key to success. —David Troy Outkick, FOXNews.com, 27 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for key to
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.
Chris Wiley, New Yorker, 28 Apr. 2026 The reason for that assumption is that conserving energy is one of the keys to success in marathoning. —Adam Kovac, Scientific American, 27 Apr. 2026 Reduced to mere glimpses for the promo, her role is still the gravitational force driving the project — suggesting Hathaway’s performance will be key to bridging the gap between campy erotic thriller and prestige horror. —Alison Foreman, IndieWire, 27 Apr. 2026 For Pittsburgh, their offense is their key to success. —David Troy Outkick, FOXNews.com, 27 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for key to
Cite this Entry
“Key to.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.grautoblog.com/dictionary/key%20to. Accessed 29 Apr. 2026.
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