Synonym Chooser

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

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 congenital He was later diagnosed with a congenital heart defect. Sam Gillette, People.com, 3 Feb. 2025 Prenatal multivitamins containing folic acid, iron, and other key nutrients are vital for a healthy pregnancy and reducing the risk of congenital disorders. Lindsay Curtis, Verywell Health, 22 Jan. 2025 Once believed to be proof of shaking, the symptoms had by then been shown to have other causes, including accidental falls, illness, infection and congenital disorders. Pamela Colloff, ProPublica, 29 Dec. 2024 Cases of congenital syphilis across the country have more than tripled in recent years, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Kff Health News, Orange County Register, 13 Nov. 2024 See All Example Sentences for congenital
Recent Examples of Synonyms for congenital
Adjective
  • Studies do not suggest vaccines or SSRIs are to blame for chronic illnesses, such as autism or obesity.
    Anne Flaherty, ABC News, 18 Feb. 2025
  • High school brought a series of medical issues for her parents, including surgeries and chronic conditions like diabetes and high blood pressure.
    Ashley Vega, People.com, 18 Feb. 2025
Adjective
  • Shaw has said he was reborn after the shooting and years later would become a born-again Christian.
    Jordan Blum, Houston Chronicle, 9 June 2019
  • In his mid-40s, Mr. Phillips had quietly become a born-again Christian after attending a Billy Graham rally.
    James R. Hagerty, WSJ, 18 Jan. 2019
Adjective
  • Guys like Justin Thomas, Wyndham Clark, Xander Schauffele or Billy Horschel being natural heels and trolls is good, casual entertainment.
    Gabby Herzig, The Athletic, 26 Feb. 2025
  • The Authentic Beauty Concept Nymph Salt Spray was used to prep the hair, and then the natural waves and kinks of the hair were accentuated with the Working Hairspray.
    Ranyechi Udemezue, Vogue, 26 Feb. 2025
Adjective
  • Although there is nothing uncommon about autocrats passing power to their children, Iran is a Shiite theocracy, and traditional Shiite philosophy strongly condemns hereditary rule.
    Akbar Ganji, Foreign Affairs, 13 Feb. 2025
  • Family history: Oily skin or seborrheic dermatitis that's hereditary can increase your risk of wet dandruff.
    Lindsay Curtis, Health, 5 Feb. 2025

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Congenital.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/congenital. Accessed 3 Mar. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on congenital

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