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Synonyms

key in

British  

verb

  1. (tr, adverb) to enter (information or instructions) in a computer or other device by means of a keyboard or keypad

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

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.

Google’s researchers said a quantum computer may be on the horizon that’s powerful enough to crack a bitcoin wallet’s secret key in as few as nine minutes, potentially giving attackers access to investors’ funds.

From MarketWatch • Mar. 31, 2026

It is also key in fiber-optic manufacturing and defense applications.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 31, 2026

The full Moon in April has an important additional role as it is key in setting the dates for Easter and Passover.

From BBC • Mar. 29, 2026

“We knew at some point we’d get that spot where we’re playing our best. I started to key in on their blockers to see who was switching on Mateo.”

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 21, 2026

He strode off, car key in his hand.

From "Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep?" by Philip K. Dick

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.