run in 1 of 2

verb

Definition of run innext
1
as in to visit
to make a brief visit I just thought I'd run in and pick up my package

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance
2
as in to arrest
to take or keep under one's control by authority of law if we catch you shoplifting again, we're going to run you in

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

run-in

2 of 2

noun

ˈrən-ˌin How to pronounce run-in (audio)
as in encounter
a brief clash between enemies or rivals the rival gangs had a bit of a run-in last night

Synonyms & Similar Words

Example Sentences

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.
Recent Examples of run in
Verb
Marylanders could be forgiven for believing the tide is running in favor of gerrymandering, but there are encouraging signs that the worst is over, and a better approach can prevail. — Colin Pascal, Washington Post, 2 Oct. 2026 However, three of the biggest historic runs in its history have started with the golden cross. — Jay Woods, CNBC, 2 Oct. 2026
Noun
His first serious run-in with the law came in 2012, when he was reportedly caught receiving a large shipment of marijuana. — Senior Editor, Los Angeles Times, 23 Sep. 2026 Kiritsis, who was known to have a quick temper, had several run-ins with the law. — Frannie Comstock, Encyclopedia Britannica, 8 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for run in
Recent Examples of Synonyms for run in
  1. visit
  2. arrest
  3. encounter
  4. come over
  5. seize
  6. step in
  7. grab
  8. come by
Verb
  • Guests can also arrange for transportation to visit the neighboring resorts.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 7 Oct. 2026
  • Seung-woon requests Pi-o and Jeong-yo visit his hospital bedside.
    — Kayti Burt, Time, 6 Oct. 2026
Definition of visit
Verb
  • The teen and his parents were contacted by police Tuesday, and he was arrested on suspicion of felony vandalism.
    — Darrell Smith, Sacbee.com, 2 Oct. 2026
  • He was arrested about 20 miles south of his hometown in East Palestine, Ohio, where police were conducting a prostitution sting at a mobile home park.
    — Erick Mendoza, NBC news, 2 Oct. 2026
Definition of arrest
Noun
  • Instead, the ensuing spree sputters from one encounter to the next, leaving you with a choppy number that should go bigger and end sooner.
    — Alison Foreman, IndieWire, 8 Oct. 2026
  • But by then, media have already described the encounter as an ejection.
    — Dan Zaksheske OutKick, FOXNews.com, 8 Oct. 2026
Definition of encounter
Verb
  • Wiedenfels, it should be noted, did not come over to Skydance.
    — Tony Maglio, HollywoodReporter, 7 Oct. 2026
  • The first mega-splash came over the summer, with the $20 million-a-year agreement between Monster Energy and college sports’ Big 12 Conference (which includes the caffeine-avoidant Brigham Young University).
    — Kent Sepkowitz, STAT, 5 Oct. 2026
Definition of come over
Verb
  • Meanwhile in 2023, the company seized the opportunity to launch on TikTok Shop with select brands shortly after the platform’s Stateside debut, and has since continued to innovate there through live-selling and cutting-edge creator partnerships.
    — Noor Lobad, Footwear News, 9 Oct. 2026
  • The document notes that a bailiff has previously seized and auctioned property from the premises, but that has not met the debt.
    — Brian Boucher, ARTnews.com, 8 Oct. 2026
Definition of seize
Verb
  • Now, that’s been shown to be behind other communities on new development, then the city must step in.
    — New York Daily News Editorial Board, New York Daily News, 4 Oct. 2026
  • His oldest sister stepped in, made his meals and went to school and doctor appointments with him.
    — Susanne Rust, Los Angeles Times, 4 Oct. 2026
Definition of step in
Verb
  • Two teenage suspects, ages 14 and 15, allegedly grabbed a necklace from the victim’s neck after walking by them, according to police.
    — Camryn Dadey, Sacbee.com, 6 Oct. 2026
  • Or, just head down to one of the bars by the pool or grab a fresh juice.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 6 Oct. 2026
Definition of grab
Verb
  • Housekeeping comes by twice daily to ensure that rooms are tidy and well-stocked.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 6 Oct. 2026
  • The truest sign that Joseph had tripped the Rams up with Hufanga’s blitz came by looking at Rams right guard Kevin Dotson.
    — Nick Kosmider, New York Times, 2 Oct. 2026
Definition of come by

Browse Nearby Words

rung up
run in
run-in
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Run in.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/run%20in. Accessed 9 Oct. 2026.

Copy Citation
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences

Popular in Grammar & Usage

See More

Do You Need a New Language Peeve?

The Exceptions of '-s' and '-es' Plurals

Merriam-Webster’s Great Big List of Words You Love to Hate

Is it 'nerve-racking' or 'nerve-wracking'?

What's the difference between 'fascism' and 'socialism'?
See More

Popular in Wordplay

See More

The Real Origin of 'Supercalifragilistic'

9 Words That Sound Like Insults But Aren't

7 Words for Bad Endings and Rough Situations

The Words of the Week - Oct. 9

Even More Bird Names that Sound Like Insults (and Sometimes Are)
See More

Popular

See More

Do You Need a New Language Peeve?

The Real Origin of 'Supercalifragilistic'

9 Words That Sound Like Insults But Aren't
See More

Games & Quizzes

See All
Play Quordle: Guess all four words in a limited number of tries. Each of your guesses must be a real 5-letter word.
Quordle Can you solve 4 words at once?
Play Blossom: Solve today's spelling word game by finding as many words as you can using just 7 letters. Longer words score more points.
Blossom Pick the best words!
Play Missing Letter: a crossword with a twist. Each of the 25 puzzle words start with a different letter of the alphabet. Which letter is missing?
The Missing Letter A daily crossword with a twist
a cup of tea and a golf ball on tee side by side
Quiz: Sounds Like... Choose the word that sounds like it fits the clue...
See All