in key

Idioms  

1. In harmony with other factors, in a matching style, as in This furniture is perfectly in key with the overall design. This term uses key in the musical sense, that is, “a scheme of notes related to one another.” The antonym, out of key, means “not in harmony with other factors,” or “unsuitable,” as in He is out of key with his time. [c. 1900]

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Example Sentences

Researchers led by Marc Porosoff, an associate professor in the University of Rochester's Department of Chemical and Sustainability Engineering, have now made important progress that could allow tungsten carbide to compete with platinum in key chemical reactions.

From Science Daily

“As we move into 2026, we believe that the headwinds we experienced in key regions in 2025 are behind us,” LePeuch said.

From Barron's

While the company struggled with lower commodity prices and an oversupplied oil market in 2025, headwinds in key regions “are behind us,” said CEO Olivier LePeuch.

From Barron's

“As we move into 2026, we believe that the headwinds we experienced in key regions in 2025 are behind us,” Le Peuch said.

From The Wall Street Journal

Those blueprints involve rearmament, diversified export markets, stronger supply chains, streamlined regulation and investments in key new sectors intended to reverse years of economic decline.

From The Wall Street Journal