kick in

verb

kicked in; kicking in; kicks in
Synonyms of kick innext

transitive verb

: contribute

intransitive verb

1
: to begin operating or having an effect : get started
waiting for the heater to kick in
2
: to make a contribution
3
slang : die

Synonyms

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Examples of kick in in a Sentence

if everyone in the department kicks in, we can give him an especially nice present for his retirement the ornery cuss finally kicked in at the ripe old age of 90
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
The moment people feel that change is happening to them rather than with them, resistance kicks in. — Dr. Diane Hamilton, Forbes, 14 Mar. 2025 By mid-February, the motivation to prepare still had not kicked in. — Doug Haller, The Athletic, 14 Mar. 2025 Dior revealed these kicks in a lace-up, gladiator style, while Balmain’s had a glossy leather finish. — Andrea Bossi, Essence, 13 Mar. 2025 And most economists expect inflation will remain elevated this year as Trump’s tariffs kick in. — Christopher Rugaber, Los Angeles Times, 12 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for kick in

Word History

First Known Use

1906, in the meaning defined at transitive sense

Time Traveler
The first known use of kick in was in 1906

Rhymes for kick in

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Browse Nearby Words

kick in
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Cite this Entry

“Kick in.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/kick%20in. Accessed 23 Mar. 2025.

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Kids Definition

kick in

verb
1
: contribute sense 1
2
: start sense 2
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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