Synonyms of akin
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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
This is akin to building Ferraris and asking them to drive on dirt roads. Nirmal Mukhi, Forbes.com, 22 July 2026 Instead, the story becomes about a solitary mind retelling a story to himself, akin to a patient on the therapist’s couch, a fitting image for an Odysseus of our contemporary age. Harrison Jacobs, ARTnews.com, 22 July 2026 To embody the creepy character, the Oscar winner’s strawberry blonde hair appeared to be multiple shades darker, akin to an auburn hue, while a fresh set of fringe grazes her brow bone. Hannah Malach, InStyle, 21 July 2026 Sometimes the dangerousness of plastic surgery gets trivialized in this world of Housewives, where a nip and tuck is akin to getting a new wardrobe. Ile-Ife Okantah, Vulture, 20 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for akin

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

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Akin.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/akin. Accessed 26 Jul. 2026.

Kids Definition

1
: related by blood
2
: essentially similar or related

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