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.

Now imagine putting that postcard in a locked box that only you and the recipient have keys to.

From Salon

Gibson points to two key areas - physicality and artificial intelligence.

From BBC

The decline came ahead of the release of key U.S. payrolls data, which will be followed two days later by the CPI inflation report.

From MarketWatch

How much changes now, and how much you notice, are two of the key questions as the prime minister attempts to reset, yet again.

From BBC