Into — Meaning, Definition & Synonyms

preposition phrase /ˈin-(ˌ)tü/ in·to

Meaning & Definition of Into

Into (preposition)

  1. —used as a function word to indicate entry, introduction, insertion, superposition, or inclusion
  2. in the direction of
  3. to a position of contact with, against

Into (phrase) — Senses, Synonyms & Antonyms

  1. in addition to what has been said

    "She earns an hourly wage, and a shift meal into the bargain."

  2. to come upon face-to-face or as if face-to-face

    "I bumped into Kenny the other day."

  3. to come upon unexpectedly or by chance

    "Turn any corner in the old city and you're likely to bump into a piece of history."

  4. to search through or into

    "The principal assured parents that he would check into reports of damaged play structures in the schoolyard."

  5. to reach a desired level of accomplishment

    "That intern has really come into her own over the past year."

    related: prevail, triumph, win, excel
    opposite: fail
  6. to become very angry

    "The kids worried their parents would fly into a rage when they saw the broken television screen."

  7. to criticize (someone) severely or angrily especially for personal failings

    "His parents laid into him for wrecking the car."

  8. to criticize harshly and usually publicly

    "She lit into the intern for deleting an important file."

  9. to start work on energetically

    "We lit into the new project right away."

  10. to take sudden, violent action against

    "He lit into the punching bag as though it were his worst enemy."

  11. to start work on energetically

    "We pitched into the project immediately."

  12. to take sudden, violent action against

    "He pitched into his opponent without hesitation."

  13. to express (a thought or emotion) in words

    "Their son would hold his feelings inside and only put them into words when questioned."

  14. to come upon unexpectedly or by chance

    "They ran into a new set of problems as soon as they thought everything was fixed."

  15. to come upon face-to-face or as if face-to-face

    "The woman ran into her boss at the grocery store."

Synonyms, Thesaurus & Another Word for Into

The most common words with a similar meaning to Into:

Slang: flip (out)

Antonyms & Opposite Words for Into

Words with the opposite meaning of Into:

Near Antonyms of Into

Origin & Etymology of Into

Middle English, from Old English intō, from in:2 + tō to

First known use: before 12th century

Vocabulary Lists & Topics for Into

Words & Phrases Containing Into

Frequently Asked Questions about Into

What does "Into" mean?

"Into" means —used as a function word to indicate entry, introduction, insertion, superposition, or inclusion. As an a preposition and a phrase, it is defined as: —used as a function word to indicate entry, introduction, insertion, superposition, or inclusion. It has 15 distinct senses.

What is another word for "Into"?

Other words for "Into" include additionally, again, also, besides, either, further, furthermore and likewise. The best synonym depends on which meaning of "Into" you intend.

What are different ways to say "Into"?

There are 369 words and phrases with a similar meaning to "Into". Common alternatives include additionally, again, also, besides, either, further, furthermore, likewise, more and moreover.

What is the opposite of "Into"?

Antonyms of "Into" include fail, calm (down) and simmer down. Near antonyms include avoid, dodge, duck and elude.

How do you use "Into" in a sentence?

Examples of "Into" in a sentence: "She earns an hourly wage, and a shift meal into the bargain."; "I bumped into Kenny the other day."; "Turn any corner in the old city and you're likely to bump into a piece of history.".

Is "Into" a noun, verb, or adjective?

"Into" can be used as a preposition and a phrase, depending on the context.

Is "Into" useful for IELTS, TOEFL, and other English exams?

As an A1-level word, "Into" is typical of Cambridge A1 Movers (Young Learners), TOEIC Listening & Reading 120+.

How do you pronounce "Into"?

"Into" is pronounced /ˈin-(ˌ)tü/ and divided into syllables as in·to.