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

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 3 Dec. 2023.

Kids Definition

akin

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

More from Merriam-Webster on akin

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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