key 1 of 3

key

2 of 3

noun

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

Synonyms & Similar Words

2
3

key

3 of 3

verb

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
One key goal of the exhibit is to help visitors connect to the importance of heat, shade and urban trees. Los Angeles Times, 12 July 2025 As African Studies scholar Inge Brinkman writes, when the Kingdom of Kongo began working with European parties starting in the late fifteenth century, a very specific group of interpreters played a key role. Livia Gershon, JSTOR Daily, 12 July 2025
Noun
For them, the key is to get acclimated to the NBA game, to more athletic, more skilled competition and to what Wizards coaches want. Josh Robbins, New York Times, 12 July 2025 Never lose your keys, bags, or anything else again. Simon Hill, Wired News, 12 July 2025
Verb
No to Mamdani, more reasons Despite his troubling views on Israel, Mamdani has captured the support of a wide swath of voters these past months by keying in on the issue of affordability. New York Daily News Editorial Board, New York Daily News, 20 June 2025 As the Indiana Pacers have keyed in on NBA MVP Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, the Thunder have progressively asked Williams to handle the ball more, with his usage increasing in every game of the series. Esfandiar Baraheni, New York Times, 19 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for key
Recent Examples of Synonyms for key
Adjective
  • The Victorian Joint Counter-Terrorism Team, which includes Victoria state police, federal police and Australia's main domestic spy agency, said the fire was likely a politically motivated attack.
    arkansasonline.com, arkansasonline.com, 6 July 2025
  • The circular balcony, which looks down on the museum’s main lobby, is festooned with ribbons from the ceremony that took place when the Long Wharf moved from its longtime home on the loading dock to offices in the Audubon arts district.
    Christopher Arnott, Hartford Courant, 6 July 2025
Adjective
  • Both aspects are a crucial part of the Superman story.
    True Tamplin, Forbes.com, 9 July 2025
  • With excitement growing over his pace and death-bowling abilities in the crucial latter stages of an innings — ramped up after a final-over hat-trick against Middlesex in the Twenty20 Blast — England fast-tracked him.
    Max Mathews, New York Times, 9 July 2025
Noun
  • Five items served at every Maldivian meal can be found on the table: chiles, coconut, tomatoes, cucumbers and limes.
    Jeanine Barone, Forbes.com, 8 July 2025
  • The wood-like finish on the table provides a natural aesthetic.
    Christopher Murray may earn a commission if you buy through our referral links. This content was created by a team that works independently from the Fox newsroom., FOXNews.com, 8 July 2025
Noun
  • The Texas Hill Country, a scenic and rocky gateway to booming vineyards and vacation rentals, begins west of the state capital and is a popular outdoor summer getaway.
    Orianna Rosa Royle, Fortune, 4 July 2025
  • The area is indicative of Indianapolis's beginnings as a Midwest cultural gateway, said Mary Clark, the International Marketplace Coalition's executive director.
    Alexandria Burris, IndyStar, 3 July 2025
Noun
  • Amazon Prime subscriptions are available for $14.99 per month or $139 per year, which includes access to Prime Video.
    Tim Lammers, Forbes.com, 6 July 2025
  • As a result, public transit agencies and corporate mobility providers now have access to a clean, connected and scalable solution for autonomous travel.
    Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 6 July 2025
Verb
  • The two brothers haven’t seen eye to eye in years, and though King Charles reportedly wants to reconcile with his son—perhaps an aftereffect of his cancer journey, Prince William doesn’t seem as inclined to do so.
    Lissete Lanuza Sáenz, StyleCaster, 15 July 2025
  • After despising and envying his seemingly perfect new partner from afar, their coffee date is a chance for Jessica to reconcile with the fact that Wendy was never the bad guy after all.
    Patrick Ryan, USA Today, 13 July 2025
Adjective
  • About one-third of American workers now earn income from a source other than a traditional nine-to-five job, whether this is their primary occupation or a side hustle.
    Liya Palagashvili, National Review, 11 July 2025
  • Pocketbook Issues Dominate The primary drivers of uncertainly are the cost of living, price inflation and general economic uncertainty.
    Pamela N. Danziger, Forbes.com, 11 July 2025
Adjective
  • Several other critical alerts followed, warning of the imminent threat: A flash flood emergency warning was issued for Kerr County at 4:03 a.m., followed by one for Kerrville at 5:34 a.m.
    Andrew Freedman, CNN Money, 6 July 2025
  • States loan the money to cities and towns at low interest rates, enabling communities to spread out the cost of critical government services people take for granted, such as replacing leaky street mains, maintaining treatment plants and rehabbing water towers.
    Michael Hawthorne, Chicago Tribune, 6 July 2025

Cite this Entry

“Key.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/key. Accessed 19 Jul. 2025.

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