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.
Aside from being a stunning reminder of just how gorgeous cosmic objects can be, this image of the Crystal Ball Nebula also reminds us of how looking back into space is akin to looking back in time. Brett Tingley, Space.com, 22 May 2026 Placing Ben-Gvir in charge of the police and prison services was akin to appointing an arsonist to run the fire department—which, incidentally, also falls under his authority. Avi Issacharoff, The Atlantic, 22 May 2026 The financial model is more akin to enterprise SaaS rather than conventional transport manufacturing. Trefis Team, Forbes.com, 20 May 2026 The 21st-century fervor about building the first industrial-scale quantum computer, pioneering theoretical physicist Peter Zoller says, is akin to the 20th-century obsession with becoming the first to conquer Mount Everest. Zeeya Merali, Scientific American, 19 May 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

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Cite this Entry

“Akin.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/akin. Accessed 29 May. 2026.

Kids Definition

akin

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

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