in-kind
adjective
paid or given in goods, commodities, or services instead of money.
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in-kind
American
[in-kahynd]
/ ˈɪnˌkaɪnd /
adjective
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paid or given in goods, commodities, or services instead of money.
in-kind welfare programs.
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paying or returning something of the same kind as that received or offered.
in kind
Idioms
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With produce or commodities rather than money. For example, I edited Bob's book for payment in kind; he gave me voice lessons in exchange . [c. 1600]
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In the same manner or with an equivalent, as in He returned the insult in kind . [Early 1700s]
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
If Ukraine did not follow suit, Moscow would respond "in kind", the ministry said.
From Barron's • May 7, 2026
Pope Leo hasn’t responded in kind, but he has responded sharply.
From The Wall Street Journal • May 4, 2026
It’s 1983 in Galashiels, Scotland, and his involuntary movements and outbursts are seen as misbehavior, teenage rebellion, and treated in kind.
From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 24, 2026
Zelensky said his forces would act in kind.
From BBC • Apr. 12, 2026
In her dealings with him she was very bossy and businesslike, treating him in much the same way she handled her kindergarten pupils; he responded in kind, alternately wheedling, affectionate, or sulky.
From "The Secret History" by Donna Tartt
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
