CONGENITAL Synonyms: 35 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: How is the word 'congenital' different from other adjectives like it?

Some common synonyms of congenital are hereditary , inborn , inbred , and innate . While all these words mean "not acquired after birth," congenital and hereditary refer to what is acquired before or at birth, the former to things acquired during fetal development and the latter to things transmitted from one's ancestors. // a congenital heart murmur // eye color is hereditary

Q: When can 'inborn' be used instead of 'congenital'?

While the synonyms inborn and congenital are close in meaning, inborn suggests a quality or tendency either actually present at birth or so marked and deep-seated as to seem so. // her inborn love of nature

Q: When could 'inbred' be used to replace 'congenital'?

Although the words inbred and congenital have much in common, inbred suggests something either acquired from parents by heredity or so deeply rooted and ingrained as to seem acquired in that way. // inbred political loyalties

Q: When is 'innate' a more appropriate choice than 'congenital'?

The words innate and congenital can be used in similar contexts, but innate applies to qualities or characteristics that are part of one's inner essential nature. // an innate sense of fair play

congenital

adjective

kən-ˈje-nə-tᵊl

Definition of congenital next

as in chronic

being such from birth or by nature a congenital liar who couldn't speak the truth if his life depended on it

Synonyms & Similar Words

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How is the word congenital different from other adjectives like it?

Some common synonyms of congenital are hereditary, inborn, inbred, and innate. While all these words mean "not acquired after birth," congenital and hereditary refer to what is acquired before or at birth, the former to things acquired during fetal development and the latter to things transmitted from one's ancestors.

a congenital heart murmur

eye color is hereditary

When can inborn be used instead of congenital?

While the synonyms inborn and congenital are close in meaning, inborn suggests a quality or tendency either actually present at birth or so marked and deep-seated as to seem so.

her inborn love of nature

When could inbred be used to replace congenital?

Although the words inbred and congenital have much in common, inbred suggests something either acquired from parents by heredity or so deeply rooted and ingrained as to seem acquired in that way.

inbred political loyalties

When is innate a more appropriate choice than congenital?

The words innate and congenital can be used in similar contexts, but innate applies to qualities or characteristics that are part of one's inner essential nature.

an innate sense of fair play

Examples 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 congenital According to the report, Singh had congenital heart disease and previously had two surgeries due to the condition. —

Kyle Martin, The Mercury News, 13 Dec. 2024 Sickle cell disease is a group of congenital red blood cell disorders, named sickle cell for their crescent shape. —

Joshua P. Cohen, Forbes, 7 Dec. 2024 Milwaukee Journal Sentinel Children's Wisconsin and UW Health have entered into a joint venture merging their congenital heart disease programs to better help children born with heart defects. —

Sarah Volpenhein, Journal Sentinel, 13 Dec. 2024 Ma, a junior champion born with a congenital absence of his left hand, could be seen grinning while soaking in some of Popert’s expert tips at the range. —

Andrew McNicol, CNN, 10 Dec. 2024 See all Example Sentences for congenital

Recent Examples of Synonyms for congenital

Adjective

No, the reason that hamburgers cost a lot more now is because the dollar lost value during that time — somewhat like the Turkish lira has also lost value over the past 20 years, producing terrible chronic inflation in Turkey.

— Nathan Lewis, Forbes, 24 Jan. 2025
People with chronic UTIs may need additional testing.

— Mark Gurarie, Verywell Health, 24 Jan. 2025