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
The mom-and-pop shops set against a modern, cosmopolitan metropolis reminded me of my life in New York City—going from Brooklyn’s Chinatown into Midtown Manhattan is akin to taking the metro from Mong Kok to Central.
—
Christina Liao, Vogue, 29 Nov. 2023
However, venturing into this landscape is akin to navigating a complex maze, where the right steps can lead to success, and missteps can exacerbate vulnerabilities.
—Michelle Drolet, Forbes, 29 Nov. 2023
The process is akin to that of styling services like Stitch Fix, which recommends personalized clothing and accessory products based on a user’s preferences.
—Paige McGlauflin, Fortune, 28 Nov. 2023
Putin’s primary goal—swiftly suppressing Kyiv’s government—was akin to Soviet actions in Hungary in 1956 or Czechoslovakia in 1968, where Moscow sent in troops and tanks to suppress opposition and reassert its rule.
—Bob Seely, Foreign Affairs, 24 Nov. 2023
Choosing a piece of music that feels right is akin to having a close friend extend a helping hand.
—Gen Cleary, Rolling Stone, 22 Nov. 2023
To soak it all in, consider this $2.52 million (€2.3 million) apartment situated overlooking Tromsø’s inner harbor, which feels akin to living on board a luxury yacht.
—Emma Reynolds, Robb Report, 21 Nov. 2023
Jamming is akin to blasting heavy metal in the middle of a college lecture.
—Aaron Krolik, New York Times, 19 Nov. 2023
The hearing is akin to a grand jury process in civilian courts in which prosecutors are required to show probable cause, however the process differs procedurally.
—Clare Hymes, CBS News, 16 Nov. 2023
See More
Christina Liao, Vogue, 29 Nov. 2023
However, venturing into this landscape is akin to navigating a complex maze, where the right steps can lead to success, and missteps can exacerbate vulnerabilities.
—Michelle Drolet, Forbes, 29 Nov. 2023
The process is akin to that of styling services like Stitch Fix, which recommends personalized clothing and accessory products based on a user’s preferences.
—Paige McGlauflin, Fortune, 28 Nov. 2023
Putin’s primary goal—swiftly suppressing Kyiv’s government—was akin to Soviet actions in Hungary in 1956 or Czechoslovakia in 1968, where Moscow sent in troops and tanks to suppress opposition and reassert its rule.
—Bob Seely, Foreign Affairs, 24 Nov. 2023
Choosing a piece of music that feels right is akin to having a close friend extend a helping hand.
—Gen Cleary, Rolling Stone, 22 Nov. 2023
To soak it all in, consider this $2.52 million (€2.3 million) apartment situated overlooking Tromsø’s inner harbor, which feels akin to living on board a luxury yacht.
—Emma Reynolds, Robb Report, 21 Nov. 2023
Jamming is akin to blasting heavy metal in the middle of a college lecture.
—Aaron Krolik, New York Times, 19 Nov. 2023
The hearing is akin to a grand jury process in civilian courts in which prosecutors are required to show probable cause, however the process differs procedurally.
—Clare Hymes, CBS News, 16 Nov. 2023
See More
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
First Known Use
1525, in the meaning defined at sense 1
Dictionary Entries Near akin
Cite this Entry
“Akin.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/akin. Accessed 3 Dec. 2023.
Copy Citation
Kids Definition
akin
adjective1
: related by blood
2
: essentially similar or related
More from Merriam-Webster on akin
Nglish: Translation of akin for Spanish Speakers
Britannica English: Translation of akin for Arabic Speakers
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