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
Bill Center, San Diego Union-Tribune, 27 Jan. 2026
Someone affirmatively ordered line agents to block state prosecutors from accessing key evidence.
—Scott MacFarlane, CBS News, 27 Jan. 2026
New Atlas, 27 Jan. 2026
Stefanski said the key will be putting the effort into making Penix better.
—Rod Beard, AJC.com, 27 Jan. 2026
Jason Anderson, Sacbee.com, 10 Jan. 2026
Zella’s Move In Pocket Joggers feature a side-zip security pocket to keep small items like cards and keys safe, and they’re currently marked down to just $30.
—Julia Morlino, Travel + Leisure, 9 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for key
Adjective
San Diego City College finished the first half of the Pacific Coast Athletic Conference season with a perfect 8-0 record while the MiraCosta College women remain the only undefeated team in the California Community College Athletic Association heading into a key game Tuesday.
—Bill Center, San Diego Union-Tribune, 27 Jan. 2026
Someone affirmatively ordered line agents to block state prosecutors from accessing key evidence.
—Scott MacFarlane, CBS News, 27 Jan. 2026
Noun
The company previously brought us a slide-out tool that dispenses keys and other items with the flick of a thumb, and a modular multitool that allows users to pick and choose which tools to include.
—New Atlas, 27 Jan. 2026
Stefanski said the key will be putting the effort into making Penix better.
—Rod Beard, AJC.com, 27 Jan. 2026
Verb
Melton keyed the run for Golden State, scoring nine points during that stretch.
—Jason Anderson, Sacbee.com, 10 Jan. 2026
Zella’s Move In Pocket Joggers feature a side-zip security pocket to keep small items like cards and keys safe, and they’re currently marked down to just $30.
—Julia Morlino, Travel + Leisure, 9 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for key
Recent Examples of Synonyms for key
Adjective
-
Sami Zayn won a Fatal 4-Way main event for the right to face Drew McIntyre for the WWE Championship at the Royal Rumble in Saudi Arabia.—
Alfred Konuwa,
Forbes.com,
25 Jan. 2026
-
This could happen especially with more hilly routes or ones not near main roads.—
Chilekasi Adele,
CBS News,
25 Jan. 2026
Adjective
-
Mikel Arteta and his players are facing criticism for not imposing themselves on opposition teams forcefully enough, allowing valuable points to slip through their fingers at such a crucial point of the season.—
Graham Ruthven,
Forbes.com,
29 Jan. 2026
-
Liberal and conservative polls show the president’s support is cratering across all groups because of ICE’s excesses but especially with independents and Latinos, two constituencies crucial to his 2024 triumph and the future of MAGA.—
Gustavo Arellano,
Los Angeles Times,
29 Jan. 2026
Noun
-
At the presentation, guests were encouraged to sit at a large central table and participate in a live weaving workshop, as models walked around it showcasing the new collection.—
Amy O’Brien,
Vogue,
30 Jan. 2026
-
Designers seek out furniture, such as chairs, dining tables, and case goods, along with accent items like original art, hardcover books, lamp bases, and brass accessories.—
Sarah Lyon,
The Spruce,
29 Jan. 2026
Noun
-
Osborne, who visited Beijing regularly, attempted to position London’s financial district as a gateway for Chinese money into Europe and helped secure investment in British nuclear power stations.—
Christian Edwards,
CNN Money,
27 Jan. 2026
-
Kalshi’s exchange is embedded in the Robinhood and Webull apps, which act as a brokerages and have different business goals for prediction markets, wanting to use them as a gateway to other products.—
Dan Bernstein,
Sportico.com,
27 Jan. 2026
Noun
-
Iran’s internet connectivity has been partially restored, but experts are warning that, even on the other side of the digital blackout, the outlook for Iranian internet access remains bleak.—
Lauren Kent,
CNN Money,
30 Jan. 2026
-
Cook said Apple is in the process of increasing its access to supply and didn’t want to forecast beyond March.—
Kif Leswing,
CNBC,
30 Jan. 2026
Verb
-
The pair reconciled, but in February 2024, another fight escalated into violence when Carnahan seized Crosby by the throat and slammed her to the floor, the cross-complaint claims.—
Winston Cho,
HollywoodReporter,
29 Jan. 2026
-
In the past, Cooper — who seems to have finally reconciled with his wife, Barb (Frances Turner) — devises a plan to stop the ongoing wars over power with Congresswoman Welch to get the cold fusion diode into the hands of the President of the United States (played by series newcomer Clancy Brown).—
Lauren Huff,
Entertainment Weekly,
28 Jan. 2026
Adjective
-
For many people who stream music every day, how artists and rightsholders are paid is not a primary concern.—
Shain Shapiro,
Forbes.com,
29 Jan. 2026
-
But under California’s top-two primary system, the two candidates with the most votes advance to the November general election regardless of party affiliation.—
Grace Hase,
Mercury News,
29 Jan. 2026
Adjective
-
Hillis Schild, executive director of the fund, said such projects meet critical community needs, but often struggle to secure traditional bank financing.—
Arkansas Online,
Arkansas Online,
27 Jan. 2026
-
Nick Geller, managing director of Steadfast LA, highlighted the organization’s emphasis on protecting critical community infrastructure.—
Michelle Edgar,
Daily News,
27 Jan. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Key.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/key. Accessed 30 Jan. 2026.
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