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Definitions

key

[kee] / ki /
ADJECTIVE
essential, important
Synonyms
STRONGEST
basic crucial decisive fundamental indispensable leading main major pivotal primary principal vital
STRONG
chief material
Antonyms
STRONGEST
additional auxiliary extra inessential insignificant lesser minor nonessential secondary subordinate trivial unimportant unnecessary
NOUN
item that unlocks
Synonyms
STRONG
latchkey opener passkey screw skeleton
Antonyms
WEAK
lock question
NOUN
answer, solution
Synonyms
STRONGEST
blueprint clue code core guide indicator means passport password sign ticket
STRONG
brand cipher crux cue earmark explanation fulcrum hinge index interpretation lead lever marker nexus nucleus pivot pointer root symptom translation
Antonyms
STRONG
exterior exteriority outside
WEAK
lock question

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

The study, published in Nature, focused on the amygdala, a key region involved in processing fear.

From Science Daily • Apr. 4, 2026

Grimes added citizen scientists in Plymouth and surrounding areas "can help overcome a key challenge in urban micrometeorite research, accessing multiple sample sites and processing material to build a national archive".

From BBC • Apr. 4, 2026

Its key patron, China, gets less than 2 millions barrels a day from Tehran—and 9 million from other Gulf countries currently shut in.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 3, 2026

But Coogan and Hays insist they are not journalists, even if they line up interviews with key figures in the industry who offer insightful access to the Silicon Valley world.

From Barron's • Apr. 3, 2026

Grab the key card when you have a chance.

From "Glitch" by Laura Martin

From Roget's 21st Century Thesaurus, Third Edition Copyright © 2013 by the Philip Lief Group.