keyed

[ keed ]

adjective

1. fitted with keys. key.
2. fastened or secured by a key.
3. Music. pitched in a specific key.
4. reinforced by a keystone.
5. coordinated, as with a basic color or idea; harmonized (sometimes used in combination):

   color-keyed carpeting.

Other Words From

• un·keyed adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of keyed¹

First recorded in 1790–1800; key ¹ + -ed ³

Example Sentences

A low-keyed but irresistibly engaging stylist, Royle casually mentions that one of his own novels was awarded the Literary Review’s Bad Sex in Fiction Award.

From Washington Post

Naps kept her in such a state of keyed-up uncertainty that she was never sure which version of him she would see.

From The Daily Beast

If they had video of the victim crying, they would have keyed in on that.

From The Daily Beast

As Jigs swerved through the Indian neighborhood near Pearl, he said he hadn't slept in days—too keyed up.

From The Daily Beast

He then said he wanted all the questions and replies to be keyed toward an improvement in the relationship between our countries.

From The Daily Beast

It was proven once more in last night's either dull or low-keyed presidential debate.

From The Daily Beast

So it behooved them to find something absorbing to keep their attention keyed up to the proper pitch.

From Project Gutenberg

It was a warm June night, and every student in the Quarter was keyed to a high state of excitement.

From Project Gutenberg

It was the high-keyed wailing of this same man-child wanting his bottle, but it eluded Bud completely.

From Project Gutenberg

By this means he not only kept his senses keyed to a high point, but made his espionage nearer perfect than his friend had done.

From Project Gutenberg

He was wakened at dawn by the voice of Cap Pike, keyed high for an ultra display of profanity.

From Project Gutenberg