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
But what John taught me was invaluable to my whole career: Take a song and go through the different keys to hear what my voice did in each key.
—
Devon Ivie, Vulture, 14 Nov. 2024
In 2022, President Joe Biden announced a new effort to protect old forests, which are key to the fight against climate change.
—April Ehrlich, ProPublica, 12 Nov. 2024
Adequate lighting is also key to clearly seeing the tick.
—Jake Parks, Discover Magazine, 11 Nov. 2024
The design remains as gorgeous as ever, from its chiclet keys to its lightweight frame.
—PCMAG, 7 Nov. 2024
See all Example Sentences for key to 
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Devon Ivie, Vulture, 14 Nov. 2024
In 2022, President Joe Biden announced a new effort to protect old forests, which are key to the fight against climate change.
—April Ehrlich, ProPublica, 12 Nov. 2024
Adequate lighting is also key to clearly seeing the tick.
—Jake Parks, Discover Magazine, 11 Nov. 2024
The design remains as gorgeous as ever, from its chiclet keys to its lightweight frame.
—PCMAG, 7 Nov. 2024
See all Example Sentences for key to
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 1 Dec. 2024.
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