key in
Britishverb
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.
After they were arrested, the differences between Bullins and Pitchford proved key in the way the cases played out.
From Slate • May 28, 2026
“I think that’s what investors are starting to key in on,” Schleif said.
From The Wall Street Journal • May 13, 2026
The National Trust - the heritage and conservation charity founded in 1895 - has also been key in opening up much of the Peak District to the public.
From BBC • Apr. 18, 2026
As a neighbour of China as well, Pakistan has cultivated good relations with Beijing, which diplomats and Trump himself have said was key in getting Iran to the negotiating table.
From Barron's • Apr. 14, 2026
Mom flicks the key in the ignition, and the car sputters to life with a creaky sound.
From "The Sea in Winter" by Christine Day
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
