1
: related by blood : descended from a common ancestor or prototype
The dog and fox are closely akin.
2
: essentially similar, related, or compatible
His interests are akin to mine.

Examples of akin in a Sentence

The two languages are closely akin. foxes are closely akin to dogs
Recent Examples on the Web Attorneys for the social media companies named in the lawsuit filed a motion to dismiss saying the companies are akin to message boards containing third-party content, court documents show. Melissa Alonso, CNN, 19 Mar. 2024 Arafat changed the constitution to separate some presidential and prime ministerial powers, moving toward something akin to France’s system. Raja Khalidi, Foreign Affairs, 19 Mar. 2024 The series follows the middle-aged scion to the Tout-Paris, a Cancan hotspot akin to the Moulin Rouge. Ben Croll, Variety, 19 Mar. 2024 Also akin to Republican efforts in the Wisconsin Legislature, the Waukesha School Board voted to fire the staff member handling diversity, equity and inclusion in the district. Drake Bentley, Journal Sentinel, 18 Mar. 2024 That’s akin to adding another New York City to the system. Brad Plumer, New York Times, 14 Mar. 2024 Frontier’s new program is more akin to a program that British Airways offers on narrowbody aircraft, used on short-haul flights within the U.K. and Europe. Stella Shon, Travel + Leisure, 13 Mar. 2024 The sharpshooters’ powerful urination method is akin to a human trying to dislodge a dense, sticky, beach ball-sized object from one of their hands. Sarah Kuta, Smithsonian Magazine, 12 Mar. 2024 This darkness can be akin to twilight or even nightfall, depending on the location and duration of totality. The Arizona Republic, 8 Mar. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'akin.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

a- entry 1 + kin entry 1

First Known Use

1525, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of akin was in 1525

Dictionary Entries Near akin

Cite this Entry

“Akin.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/akin. Accessed 28 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

akin

adjective
1
: related by blood
2
: essentially similar or related

More from Merriam-Webster on akin

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!