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

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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

Synonyms & Similar Words

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
Two other key growth drivers for the pharma business are Tremfya — used to treat psoriasis, ulcerative colitis, and Crohn’s disease — and blood cancer therapy Darzalex. — Zev Fima,kevin Stankiewicz, CNBC, 11 Oct. 2026 But the world’s two biggest economies have been diverging in key ways with implications for future growth and indebtedness. — Jason Ma, Fortune, 11 Oct. 2026
Noun
Its latest annual Gboard experiment flips this dynamic on its head with moving keys that eventually roll into position right under your finger. — New Atlas, 11 Oct. 2026 The key, though, is that Aurora blends AI insights with the human touch. — Sydney Lake, Fortune, 11 Oct. 2026
Verb
Daylen Lile tripled to key a four-run rally in the eighth inning, Jacob Young and Dylan Crews added RBIs and the Washington Nationals beat the Los Angeles Angels 6-5 on Sunday to complete a three-game sweep. — ABC News, 13 Sep. 2026 Craig was sacked three times and once UNC started keying on the run, the Horned Frogs struggled to match the Tar Heels’ physicality. — Steven Johnson, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 30 Aug. 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
  • Saudi Arabia kept its main international airport closed and moved Riyadh schools online on Sunday after a deadly strike by Yemen’s Houthi rebels the day before.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 11 Oct. 2026
  • Our main focus is on J & J’s Innovative Medicine pharma segment.
    — Zev Fima,Kevin Stankiewicz, CNBC, 11 Oct. 2026
Definition of main
Adjective
  • But anyone who’s yet to see the earlier series need not fret; while Seven Havens makes reference especially to Korra, any crucial details are reestablished within a narrative that’s set nearly two centuries later and stands largely on its own.
    — Angie Han, HollywoodReporter, 9 Oct. 2026
  • While Saudi Arabia has considerable military capabilities, experience in Yemen, and powerful allies like Pakistan and Türkiye, active US backing remains crucial, both strategically and politically.
    — Faisal J. Abbas, semafor.com, 9 Oct. 2026
Definition of crucial
Noun
  • The 6,600-square-foot 5-bedroom residence sleeps 10 and is outfitted with a massive living room with 2 televisions, a pool table, and a record player.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 8 Oct. 2026
  • Suddenly, the entire table erupts, simultaneously talking over one another about who said what at what time to whom.
    — Tom Smyth, Vulture, 8 Oct. 2026
Definition of table
Noun
  • West Coast gateways gained share, while several East and Gulf Coast ports recorded declines.
    — Glenn Taylor, Footwear News, 9 Oct. 2026
  • Hermeneutics as a gateway to the nucleus of spoken language, the same feeling as during childhood experiments with secret codes.
    — Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 8 Oct. 2026
Definition of gateway
Noun
  • They’re drawn by its floor-to-ceiling windows and Hudson River views, plus the porte-cochere that allows discreet access to $500,000 parking spaces away from paparazzi and nosy neighbors.
    — Matthew Sedacca, Curbed, 8 Oct. 2026
  • The major change in the room selection is that club level access is now an option which gets guests a dedicated concierge, gourmet culinary and a gorgeous lounge that has a great view of the resort pool.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 8 Oct. 2026
Definition of access
Verb
  • What began as a rebellion against broken classrooms has become a test of whether France can reconcile its costly promises with its financial reality before the divisions consuming its schools deepen further.
    — Efrat Lachter, FOXNews.com, 10 Oct. 2026
  • Mercury in your 12th House quincunxes Saturn in your 5th, making private thoughts, uncertainty, or unspoken feelings harder to reconcile with fun, romance, or creative expression.
    — Tarot.com, New York Daily News, 9 Oct. 2026
Definition of reconcile
Adjective
  • Steve Sarkisian will not budge on this issue One of the primary reasons Manning chose to attend Texas was Sarkisian.
    — Mac Engel October 10, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 11 Oct. 2026
  • Flooding rains will be a primary concern, with several showers from Rachel having already reached the United States shoreline as of 2 pm Saturday.
    — Sean Macaday, Sacbee.com, 10 Oct. 2026
Definition of primary
Adjective
  • Accessibility At 900 feet high, accessibility played a critical role in the project.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 7 Oct. 2026
  • Washington has placed greater emphasis on producing critical weapons at higher rates.
    — Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 6 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 14 Oct. 2026.

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Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about key

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