Synonyms of endemic

endemic

adjective

en-ˈde-mik 

as in indigenous

belonging to a particular place by birth or origin

the fish is not an endemic species of the lake, and it is rapidly devouring the native trout population

Synonyms & Similar Words

• indigenous
• aboriginal
• native
• autochthonous
• local
• domestic
• born
• regional
• original

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• introduced
• foreign
• exotic
• nonindigenous
• nonnative
• strange
• alien
• immigrant
• transplanted
• imported
• expatriate

Synonym Chooser

How is the word endemic distinct from other similar adjectives?

Some common synonyms of endemic are aboriginal, indigenous, and native. While all these words mean "belonging to a locality," endemic implies being peculiar to a region.

a disease endemic in Africa

When might aboriginal be a better fit than endemic?

The words aboriginal and endemic are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, aboriginal implies having no known others preceding in occupancy of a particular region.

the aboriginal peoples of Australia

When would indigenous be a good substitute for endemic?

While in some cases nearly identical to endemic, indigenous applies to that which is not only native but which, as far as can be determined, has never been introduced or brought from elsewhere.

indigenous plants

When is it sensible to use native instead of endemic?

In some situations, the words native and endemic are roughly equivalent. However, native implies birth or origin in a place or region and may suggest compatibility with it.

native tribal customs

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of endemic

Many countries around the world vaccinate their poultry birds against H5 bird flu viruses, especially in regions where the virus is endemic or where there is a high risk of outbreaks, such as in China, Bangladesh, Egypt, Indonesia and Vietnam. —Raul A. Reyes, Newsweek, 22 Jan. 2025

Child abuse is endemic when parents care little for themselves and less for their children. —Mark Roseman, Sun Sentinel, 19 Jan. 2025

The preserve is famous for its wildflowers, many of them endemic to Marin County; rare flowers in the area include the Tiburon paintbrush, Tiburon buckwheat, Marin dwarf flax and the Tiburon jewelflower. —Daniel Bromfield, The Mercury News, 6 Jan. 2025

The 15-mile-long Palm Canyon is the state’s largest reserve of California fan palms, the only palm tree endemic to California. —Freda Moon, New York Times, 26 Dec. 2024

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