HEREDITARY Synonyms: 14 Similar and Opposite Words

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

Some common synonyms of hereditary are congenital , 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 might 'inborn' be a better fit than 'hereditary'?

While the synonyms inborn and hereditary 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 can 'inbred' be used instead of 'hereditary'?

The synonyms inbred and hereditary are sometimes interchangeable, but 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: Where would 'innate' be a reasonable alternative to 'hereditary'?

While in some cases nearly identical to hereditary , innate applies to qualities or characteristics that are part of one's inner essential nature. // an innate sense of fair play

hereditary

adjective

hə-ˈre-də-ˌter-ē

Definition of hereditary next

as in genetic

genetically passed or capable of being passed from parent to offspring eye and hair color are hereditary

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

Some common synonyms of hereditary are congenital, 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 might inborn be a better fit than hereditary?

While the synonyms inborn and hereditary 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 can inbred be used instead of hereditary?

The synonyms inbred and hereditary are sometimes interchangeable, but 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

Where would innate be a reasonable alternative to hereditary?

While in some cases nearly identical to hereditary, 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 hereditary In addition, its basic plan covers periodontal disease and hereditary conditions that affect senior dogs, like hip dysplasia and glaucoma. —

Liz Knueven, CNBC, 30 Dec. 2024 One potential obstacle to my Orthodox conversion was that my second husband, Jacob, was a kohen, a member of a priestly male hereditary line going back to the time of Moses, and according to the Talmud kohanim are forbidden to marry converts. —

Jeannie Suk Gersen, The New Yorker, 2 Dec. 2024 Additional scientific evidence backing up the hereditary component of PCOS includes:9 Approximately 25% of people with PCOS have a mother with PCOS. —

Laura Young, Verywell Health, 22 Jan. 2025 Whether recipients are preparing for a family, seeking peace of mind about hereditary cancer risks, or simply exploring what genetic screening can offer, this gift provides a thoughtful and future-focused approach to giving. —

Hilary Tetenbaum, USA TODAY, 8 Jan. 2025 See all Example Sentences for hereditary

Recent Examples of Synonyms for hereditary

Adjective

Like every other facet of human traits, the determination of gender is also under genetic control.

— Reader Commentary, Baltimore Sun, 11 Feb. 2025
If an animal or person is infected with two viruses at once, the viruses can trade genetic material, creating something new.

— Sarah Boden, ABC News, 10 Feb. 2025