Synonyms of inborn

inborn

adjective

ˈin-ˈbȯrn 

1

as in inherent

being a part of the innermost nature of a person or thing

an inborn talent for dancing

Synonyms & Similar Words

• inherent
• intrinsic
• integral
• essential
• innate
• hereditary
• constitutional
• natural
• inherited
• indigenous
• ingrained
• inbred
• inner
• constitutive
• congenital
• native
• immanent
• hardwired
• fundamental
• engrained
• elemental
• basic
• ingrain
• distinctive
• built-in
• internal
• characteristic
• peculiar
• in one's blood
• deep-rooted
• interior
• habitual
• inmost
• normal
• typical
• inveterate
• regular

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• extrinsic
• foreign
• adventitious
• extraneous
• alien
• accidental
• incidental
• surface
• coincidental
• acquired
• external
• superficial
• exterior
• adscititious

2

as in genetic

genetically passed or capable of being passed from parent to offspring

certain instincts are inborn in mice

Synonyms & Similar Words

• inherent
• genetic
• hereditary
• inherited
• genetical
• inheritable
• innate
• congenital
• heritable
• native
• natural
• inbred

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• acquired
• nonhereditary

Synonym Chooser

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

Some common synonyms of inborn are congenital, hereditary, inbred, and innate. While all these words mean "not acquired after birth," 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

How do congenital and hereditary relate to one another, in the sense of inborn?

Both 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 inbred be used instead of inborn?

The words inbred and inborn are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, 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

In what contexts can innate take the place of inborn?

The synonyms innate and inborn are sometimes interchangeable, but innate applies to qualities or characteristics that are part of one's inner essential nature.

an innate sense of fair play

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of inborn

The results from our latest study suggest that even children with inborn characteristics of a difficult temperament can benefit from the advantages that come from multiple secure attachments. —Discover Magazine, 20 Sep. 2024

As a result, the oldest kid may very well develop a sense of responsibility and leadership — qualities fostered through the environment rather than inborn traits. —Allie Volpe, Vox, 10 June 2024

Resurgence is a real sense in Detroit, a city where resilience is inborn and tougher tests have been endured. —Brian McCollum, Detroit Free Press, 7 June 2024

Not all animals’ responses to anthropogenic change are inborn, however. —Lee Alan Dugatkin, Scientific American, 14 May 2024