Synonyms

in-

¹ American

a prefix representing English in (income; indwelling; inland , etc.), but used also as a verb-formative with transitive, intensive, or sometimes little apparent force (intrust; inweave , etc.). It often assumes the same forms as in-, such as en-, em-, im-.

in- ² American

a prefix of Latin origin meaning primarily “in,” but used also as a verb-formative with the same force as in- (incarcerate; incantation ).

in- ³ American

a prefix of Latin origin, corresponding to English un-, having a negative or privative force, freely used as an English formative, especially of adjectives and their derivatives and of nouns (inattention; indefensible; inexpensive; inorganic; invariable ). It assumes the same phonetic phases as in- (impartial; immeasurable; illiterate; irregular , etc.). In French, it became en- and thus occurs unfelt in such words as enemy (French ennemi, Latin inimicus, lit., not friendly).

-in ⁴ American

a noun suffix used in a special manner in chemical and mineralogical nomenclature (glycerin; acetin , etc.). In spelling, usage wavers between -in and -ine. In chemistry a certain distinction of use is attempted, basic substances having the termination -ine rather than -in (aconitine; aniline , etc.), and -in being restricted to certain neutral compounds, glycerides, glucosides, and proteids (albumin; palmitin , etc.), but this distinction is not always observed.

in. ⁵ American

abbreviation

-in ⁶ American

a suffixal use of the adverb in, extracted from sit-in, forming compound nouns, usually from verbs, referring to organized protests through or in support of the named activity (kneel-in; chain-in;be-in ) or, more generally, to any organized social or cultural activity (cook-in;sing-in ).

in ⁷ American

[in] / ɪn /

(used to indicate inclusion within space, a place, or limits).

walking in the park.
(used to indicate inclusion within something abstract or immaterial).

in politics; in the autumn.
(used to indicate inclusion within or occurrence during a period or limit of time).

in ancient times; a task done in ten minutes.
(used to indicate limitation or qualification, as of situation, condition, relation, manner, action, etc.).

to speak in a whisper; to be similar in appearance.
(used to indicate means).

sketched in ink; spoken in French.
(used to indicate motion or direction from outside to a point within) into.

Let's go in the house.
(used to indicate transition from one state to another).

to break in half.
(used to indicate object or purpose).

speaking in honor of the event.

in or into some place, position, state, relation, etc..

Please come in.
on the inside; within.
in one's house or office.
in office or power.
in possession or occupancy.
having the turn to play, as in a game.
Baseball. (of an infielder or outfielder) in a position closer to home plate than usual; short.

The third baseman played in, expecting a bunt.
on good terms; in favor.

He's in with his boss, but he doubts it will last.
Informal. in vogue; in style.

He says straw hats will be in this year.
in season.

Watermelons will soon be in.

located or situated within; inner; internal.

the in part of a mechanism.
Informal.
1. in favor with stylish or trendy people; currently popular: the in thing to do.
  
  the in place to dine;
  the in thing to do.
2. keeping up with the latest trends and fashions.
  
  the in clique at school.
Informal. comprehensible only to a special or ultrasophisticated group.

an in joke.
well-liked; included in a favored group.
inward; incoming; inbound.

an in train.
plentiful; available.
being in power, authority, control, etc..

a member of the in party.
Golf. of or relating to the playing of the last nine holes of an eighteen-hole golf course (out ).

His in score on the second round was 34.

Usually ins persons in office or political power (outs ).
a member of the political party in power.

The election made him an in.
pull or influence; a social advantage or connection.

He's got an in with the senator.
(in tennis, squash, handball, etc.) a return or service that lands within the in-bounds limits of a court or section of a court (out ).

British Dialect.

inned, inning

be in for, to be bound to undergo something, especially a disagreeable experience.

We are in for a long speech.
in for it, about to suffer chastisement or unpleasant consequences, especially of one's own actions or omissions: Also for it.

I forgot our anniversary again, and I'll be in for it now.
in with, on friendly terms with; familiar or associating with.

They are in with all the important people.
in that, because; inasmuch as.

In that you won't have time for supper, let me give you something now.

-in ⁸ American

a suffix, occurring in adjectives of Greek and Latin origin, meaning “pertaining to,” and (in nouns thence derived) also imitated in English (coffin; cousin , etc.).

IN ⁹ American

In ¹⁰ American

Symbol, Chemistry.

in- ¹ British