# removeValue(forKey:) Removes the given key and its associated value from the dictionary. ``` @discardableResult mutating func removeValue(forKey key: Key) -> Value? ``` ## Parameters `key` The key to remove along with its associated value. ## Return Value The value that was removed, or `nil` if the key was not present in the dictionary. ## Discussion If the key is found in the dictionary, this method returns the key’s associated value. On removal, this method invalidates all indices with respect to the dictionary. ``` var hues = ["Heliotrope": 296, "Coral": 16, "Aquamarine": 156] if let value = hues.removeValue(forKey: "Coral") { print("The value \(value) was removed.") } // Prints "The value 16 was removed." ``` If the key isn’t found in the dictionary, `removeValue(forKey:)` returns `nil`. ``` if let value = hues.removeValue(forKey: "Cerise") { print("The value \(value) was removed.") } else { print("No value found for that key.") } // Prints "No value found for that key." ``` > Complexity: O(*n*), where *n* is the number of key-value pairs in the > dictionary. --- Copyright © 2026 Apple Inc. All rights reserved. | [Terms of Use](https://www.apple.com/legal/internet-services/terms/site.html) | [Privacy Policy](https://www.apple.com/privacy/privacy-policy)