Key

Meaning

a small piece of shaped metal used to operate a lock; something that provides a means of access

a small piece of shaped metal used to open or close a lock

A small piece of shaped metal used to open or close locks, or something crucial and essential.

Example Sentences

She lost her house key and couldn't get inside until the locksmith arrived.

I lost my house key and couldn't get inside.

She lost the key to her apartment.

Example Expressions

key to success

Synonyms

opener, access, solution, clue, latchkey, essential, crucial, vital, main, important

Entry 1

opener, access, solution, clue

Entry 2

opener, latchkey

Entry 3

essential, crucial, vital, main, important

Antonyms

lock, barrier, obstacle, unimportant, trivial, minor

Entry 1

lock, barrier, obstacle

Entry 2

lock

Entry 3

unimportant, trivial, minor

Collocations

house key, car key, master key, spare key, key ring, key role, key point, key factor

Entry 1

house key, car key, master key

Entry 2

house key, car key, spare key, key ring

Entry 3

house key, car key, key role, key point, key factor