key to

phrasal verb

keyed to; keying to; keys to

chiefly US

: 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 to

The educational program is keyed to the needs of working women.

: 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 The keys to defense in the modern NBA are rim protection and switchable perimeter defenders. —

Danny Emerman, The Mercury News, 2 June 2024 The other key to Couples Therapy is the space where the sessions take place. —

Kathryn Vanarendonk, Vulture, 31 May 2024 The choice of a locally hardy plant is the key to its health and yield success. —

Associated Pess, Orange County Register, 30 May 2024 After a full day of flying, handing my keys to the valet offered a welcome respite from running through airports. —

Carrie Honaker, Travel + Leisure, 29 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.