What does "run-in" mean?
An encounter; a scrape or brush, especially one involving trouble or difficulty.
Run-in
adj, noun
adj, noun ·Uncommon ·Advanced level
Meaning at a glance
- Primary sense: An encounter; a scrape or brush, especially one involving trouble or difficulty.
- Grammar: run-in is listed as adj, noun.
- Nearest alternatives: accustomed, adapted, adjusted, bickering.
- Usage evidence: Tom had a run-in with his boss.
How to use "run-in"
- Start with the primary definition, then check the part of speech before placing the word in a sentence.
- Compare nearby synonyms to make sure "run-in" carries the exact meaning, tone, and strength you need.
- Use the example sentence as a context check. If your sentence uses the word differently, confirm that the grammar still fits.
Meaning check
- Does the word fit the sentence's grammar?
- Does it match the intended tone rather than only the dictionary definition?
- Would a simpler synonym be clearer for the reader?
- Is there enough surrounding context to prevent ambiguity?
Source and review context
This entry combines structured lexical data with WordToolSet review checks. Definitions, examples, synonyms, and usage notes may come from different source tables, so the page is designed to show evidence from more than one angle before you rely on "run-in" in a final draft.
If a word has several senses, prefer the sense that matches your sentence's grammar and surrounding context. A correct definition can still be the wrong choice when the sentence needs a different register, emphasis, or level of specificity.
Before you rely on this definition
Read the first definition as a starting point, then check the example, synonyms, and part of speech before treating "run-in" as the right word for your sentence.
If your draft is formal, technical, persuasive, or sensitive, compare "run-in" with a nearby alternative so the final choice matches both meaning and reader expectation.
Compare nearby meanings
- Use synonyms when you need a softer, stronger, simpler, or more specific word.
- Use antonyms to check the boundary of the meaning and avoid accidental contrast.
- Use the example sentence to confirm the word behaves naturally in context.
- Keep the original wording when a replacement adds complexity without improving precision.
Definition decision workflow
1. Identify the role
Check whether "run-in" is acting as adj, noun in your sentence. A definition is only useful when the grammar matches the way the word is being used.
2. Test the nearest option
Compare it with "accustomed" and other nearby choices to see whether the sentence needs a softer, stronger, or more familiar word.
3. Confirm with context
Use the example sentence below as an evidence check, then read your own sentence out loud to catch tone or rhythm problems.
Review note: Definition pages are checked for source coverage, sentence evidence, synonym support, and editorial insight before they are treated as approval-ready pages. If the evidence is too thin, the page remains available to users but is kept out of the approval-facing indexed inventory.
Final meaning check
Before publishing a sentence with "run-in", ask whether the word helps the reader understand the idea faster. A precise word should reduce confusion, not simply make the sentence look more polished.
When the definition, synonym evidence, and example context point in the same direction, the word is usually a safer choice. When they conflict, revise the sentence or choose a clearer alternative.
Definitions
Noun
- 1 An encounter; a scrape or brush, especially one involving trouble or difficulty.
"During that time he had two more run-ins with the law. One involved the sale of stolen property. The other was for a series of hot checks."
- 2 an angry dispute wordnet
- 3 The end-phase of a competition etc.
"Yahoo Sport's Leicester City blogger Helen Nutter gets ready for the Premier League run-in knowing her side - incredibly - still have a great chance of being crowned champions"
- 4 A sudden compression between two coupled railcars when the hinder one is moving faster than the fore one.
"Brake pipe pressure reduction rates of over 30 psi/sec lasting for about 15 milliseconds were created by harsh slack run-ins."
Adjective
- 1 (not comparable) Having been run in before or behind previous text. adjective, error-misspelling, not-comparable, participle, usually
"These headings are of the run-in type because a free-hanging style would just be a waste of column inches."
- 2 (sometimes comparable) Having been run in to seat the parts. adjective, error-misspelling, not-comparable, participle, usually
"A well run-in engine is likelier to consume less crankcase oil over the course of its working life."
Synonyms
All synonymsExample
"Tom had a run-in with his boss."
Common questions
What is a synonym for "run-in"?
Common synonyms include: accustomed, adapted, adjusted, bickering, brush, case hardened.
How do you use "run-in" in a sentence?
Tom had a run-in with his boss.
Etymology
Etymology 1
Derived from the verb run into. For the meaning "end-phase", it presumably comes a marathon race, where in the final part the runners run into the stadium and complete a lap.
Etymology 2
Derived from the verb run in.