1
as in contributes
to make a donation as part of a group effort
if everyone in the department kicks in, we can give him an especially nice present for his retirement
Synonyms & Similar Words
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2
as in dies
slang
to stop living
the ornery cuss finally kicked in at the ripe old age of 90
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of kicks in
The slower speed limit kicks in 30 minutes before a school’s arrival time.
—
Douglas Hanks, Miami Herald, 27 Feb. 2026
While the intent was to reduce the tree’s size to improve safety, what actually happens is that the tree’s instinct to survive kicks in.
—Arricca Elin Sansone, Southern Living, 22 Feb. 2026
February 19 – March 20 A new season of self kicks in.
—Tarot.com, Baltimore Sun, 18 Feb. 2026
Once the competitiveness comes out, the muscle memory kicks in.
—David Aldridge, New York Times, 14 Feb. 2026
When the breakbeat kicks in, restless amid the end-of-the-night melancholy, Stel remains the center of gravity.
—Alex Robert Ross, Pitchfork, 13 Feb. 2026
Quarks crammed in tight can roam about freely, but try to separate them and the glue kicks in with a vengeance.
—Joseph Howlett, Scientific American, 6 Feb. 2026
The film falters, however, once something resembling an actual plot kicks in.
—Bilge Ebiri, Vulture, 24 Jan. 2026
Meanwhile, on the western side of that coastal front, temperatures are frigid and the fluff factor really kicks in.
—Terry Eliasen, CBS News, 23 Jan. 2026
Douglas Hanks, Miami Herald, 27 Feb. 2026
While the intent was to reduce the tree’s size to improve safety, what actually happens is that the tree’s instinct to survive kicks in.
—Arricca Elin Sansone, Southern Living, 22 Feb. 2026
February 19 – March 20 A new season of self kicks in.
—Tarot.com, Baltimore Sun, 18 Feb. 2026
Once the competitiveness comes out, the muscle memory kicks in.
—David Aldridge, New York Times, 14 Feb. 2026
When the breakbeat kicks in, restless amid the end-of-the-night melancholy, Stel remains the center of gravity.
—Alex Robert Ross, Pitchfork, 13 Feb. 2026
Quarks crammed in tight can roam about freely, but try to separate them and the glue kicks in with a vengeance.
—Joseph Howlett, Scientific American, 6 Feb. 2026
The film falters, however, once something resembling an actual plot kicks in.
—Bilge Ebiri, Vulture, 24 Jan. 2026
Meanwhile, on the western side of that coastal front, temperatures are frigid and the fluff factor really kicks in.
—Terry Eliasen, CBS News, 23 Jan. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for kicks in
Verb
-
Beyond his academic commitment, Carson is always willing to lend a hand to classmates and contributes positively to the classroom community.—
Caroline Ritzie,
Cincinnati Enquirer,
6 Mar. 2026
-
Trump has also sought to cancel wind power projects while elevating coal — which contributes to climate change — as a source of energy.—
Josh Boak,
Fortune,
6 Mar. 2026
Verb
-
War spreads in the Middle East, a coaching legend dies, and several incumbents face tough primaries.—
Melinda Yao,
NBC news,
7 Mar. 2026
-
There is no way to measure the emotional cost of dealing with what happens after a spouse dies and leaves financial arrangements in a mess.—
Terry Savage,
Chicago Tribune,
7 Mar. 2026
Verb
-
Iranians also continue to argue over who should lead if the current government falls.—
Alicia Victoria Lozano,
NBC news,
7 Mar. 2026
-
The peak falls near a first-quarter moon this year, which bodes well for another bright, impressive shower this year, per the Old Farmer’s Almanac.—
Joseph Erbentraut,
Better Homes & Gardens,
7 Mar. 2026
Verb
-
The tournament kicks off on June 11 when Mexico plays South Africa in Mexico City.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
3 Mar. 2026
-
Prices also should rise as the home-buying season kicks off later in the year.—
Don Sweeney,
Sacbee.com,
24 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Kicks in.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/kicks%20in. Accessed 10 Mar. 2026.
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