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
See all Example Sentences for key to 
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
See all Example Sentences for key to
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 29 May. 2024.
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