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

See Examples For:

in key

The legislation also attempts to minimize labor disruptions in key trade-focused parts of the economy like railways and ports.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Sep. 23, 2026

Dr McGregor hopes the team can build on their findings through continued work with local communities in Islay and Mull, alongside oyster bed restoration and protection work in key areas.

From BBC ● Sep. 15, 2026

Canada will remain a crucial partner for the United States in "key areas," Prime Minister Mark Carney said Tuesday as he addressed a meeting of top global investors.

From Barron's ● Sep. 15, 2026

Canadian and European officials are discussing ways for Canada to informally lock into Europe’s $20 trillion single market in key supply chains.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Sep. 14, 2026

When the researchers scanned the subjects’ brains, they discovered that this tiny fraction of people seemed to have less activity going on in key portions of the frontal lobe.

From "A Deadly Wandering: A Mystery, a Landmark Investigation, and the Astonishing Science of Attention in the Digital Age" by Matt Richtel