paid or given in goods, commodities, or services instead of money.
in-kind welfare programs.
paying or returning something of the same kind as that received or offered.
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]
In the same manner or with an equivalent, as in He returned the insult in kind . [Early 1700s]
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
He added that "any properly incurred incidental or in-kind assistance from third parties would be recorded and reimbursed where applicable".
From BBC ● Apr. 28, 2026
The group estimated in the internal budget documents it was taking in about $215 million in in-kind donations.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Apr. 21, 2026
To fully avoid triggering rules about in-kind support and maintenance, your son’s rent must be at or near fair market value.
From MarketWatch ● Apr. 18, 2026
Because the client isn’t worried about hitting the estate-tax exemption ceiling, he used an in-kind distribution, bringing the Apple stock back to his estate and put in $1 million of another asset.
From Barron's ● Feb. 28, 2026
Brentwood School provided in-kind services through the use of its facilities and veteran activities, all valued at $918,000 annually.
From Los Angeles Times ● Nov. 11, 2025
The distance between those categories is not merely one of degree but of a difference in kind.
From Slate ● Jun. 26, 2026
“We will respond in kind and ensure the bill … will go forward in a manner that protects” Canadians’ rights.
From The Wall Street Journal ● May 27, 2026
He vowed to act "proactively" to restore trust with Pyongyang, adding: "We hope the North will trust the sincerity of our government and respond in kind."
From Barron's ● Apr. 27, 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
His student body, from the eldest to the youngest, responded in kind: Mr. Tuffett was tolerated at all times, but ignored most of the time.
From "Go Set a Watchman: A Novel" by Harper Lee
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.
