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 toThe 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
Laundry services, hospital services —These are people that are key to the economy.
—
Max Greenwood, Miami Herald, 24 May 2024
Parkes attributes the mission to being the key to the company’s success.
—Myrna Petlicki, Chicago Tribune, 23 May 2024
Both cases, however, speak to the role of parents as potentially key to prompting expert intervention.
—Seyward Darby, Longreads, 21 May 2024
Draw from experience, and refuse to let your emotions interfere when intelligence and common sense are the keys to your success.
—Eugenia Last, The Mercury News, 21 May 2024
Far from encouraging overuse or misuse, virtual care is key to equitable and efficient health care.
—Owen Tripp, STAT, 21 May 2024
Updating spaces—especially with the right colors—is key to creating a positive environment: Our respondents said that the #1 role for color in the home is to create a relaxing and peaceful environment.
—Lauren Phillips, Better Homes & Gardens, 21 May 2024
This can also disrupt your ability to fall asleep, and evidence shows that consistent sleep is key to good mental health.
—Sean Neumann, Peoplemag, 8 May 2024
That includes manufacturing mRNA — the genetic material that tells your body how to make proteins — which was key to the COVID-19 vaccine.
—Natallie Rocha, San Diego Union-Tribune, 8 May 2024
Max Greenwood, Miami Herald, 24 May 2024
Parkes attributes the mission to being the key to the company’s success.
—Myrna Petlicki, Chicago Tribune, 23 May 2024
Both cases, however, speak to the role of parents as potentially key to prompting expert intervention.
—Seyward Darby, Longreads, 21 May 2024
Draw from experience, and refuse to let your emotions interfere when intelligence and common sense are the keys to your success.
—Eugenia Last, The Mercury News, 21 May 2024
Far from encouraging overuse or misuse, virtual care is key to equitable and efficient health care.
—Owen Tripp, STAT, 21 May 2024
Updating spaces—especially with the right colors—is key to creating a positive environment: Our respondents said that the #1 role for color in the home is to create a relaxing and peaceful environment.
—Lauren Phillips, Better Homes & Gardens, 21 May 2024
This can also disrupt your ability to fall asleep, and evidence shows that consistent sleep is key to good mental health.
—Sean Neumann, Peoplemag, 8 May 2024
That includes manufacturing mRNA — the genetic material that tells your body how to make proteins — which was key to the COVID-19 vaccine.
—Natallie Rocha, San Diego Union-Tribune, 8 May 2024
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'key to.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
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 28 May. 2024.
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