akin

adjective

ə-ˈkin 

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.

Synonyms of akin

• related
• comparable

Examples of akin in a Sentence

The two languages are closely akin.

foxes are closely akin to dogs

Recent Examples on the Web

But in recent years, plaintiffs' lawyers have employed a novel legal tactic to get around Section 230 by bringing cases against social media companies under product liability laws akin to a manufacturer sued over a defective product. —Bobby Allyn, NPR, 18 Feb. 2026

These actions are more akin to terrorism than law enforcement. —Letters To The Editor, Hartford Courant, 17 Feb. 2026

These images feel like little worlds pressed up against the surface of each painting, akin to the ubiquitous screens — phones, TVs, computers — that routinely flatten our reality. —Sharon Mizota, Los Angeles Times, 16 Feb. 2026

The retailer is akin to a Big Lots having a baby with the Daiso bargain store. —Samantha Gowen, Oc Register, 16 Feb. 2026

Word History

Etymology

a- entry 1 + kin entry 1

First Known Use

1525, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for akin

• auxin
• buckskin
• chagrin
• deerskin
• foreskin
• fuchsin
• herein
• kingpin
• linchpin
• pigskin
• pinyin
• puffin

Kids Definition

akin

adjective

ə-ˈkin 

1

: related by blood

2

: essentially similar or related