The term "minor key" refers to a musical mode that emphasizes on the root note of a minor scale. However, the term can be replaced or supplemented with synonyms such as "sad key," "melancholic key," and "gloomy key." These synonyms emphasize the emotional tone of the music that is most often associated with minor keys. Other synonyms include "diminished key" and "modulated key," which respectively refer to the interval relationships between the root note and the other notes in the scale. Ultimately, the choice of synonym depends on the perspective and preference of the musician or listener, but all the synonyms encapsulate the essence of a minor key.