Synonym Chooser

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

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

How are the words congenital and hereditary related as synonyms of inbred?

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 could inborn be used to replace inbred?

While the synonyms inborn and inbred 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 might innate be a better fit than inbred?

The words innate and inbred are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, 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 inbred Some populations are much more inbred than others, because of cultural practices. Razib Khan, Discover Magazine, 18 July 2013 But her European ancestry is a lot less informative here, and a lot of the variance in the plot is taken up by the inbred and distinctive Kalash. Razib Khan, Discover Magazine, 24 Apr. 2012 He or she would not even be nominated in today’s political web of self-serving, inbred, power-hungry political party leaders. San Diego Union-Tribune, 2 Dec. 2022 It’s middle to upper-middle class, but with pockets of inbred poverty. Christopher Borrelli, Chicago Tribune, 13 Oct. 2022 See All Example Sentences for inbred
Recent Examples of Synonyms for inbred
Adjective
  • Pounding the pavement to rummage for vintage treasure is inherent to unearthing the rare and one-of-a-kind pieces that celebrity stylists, editors, and fashion-loving brides-to-be seek her out for.
    Talia Abbas, Vogue, 28 Mar. 2025
  • Similarly, companies that release forked AOSP products rarely use the main AOSP branch due to its inherent instability.
    Ewan Spence, Forbes.com, 28 Mar. 2025
Adjective
  • Kim adds that scientific knowledge has no intrinsic moral value.
    H.M.A. Leow, JSTOR Daily, 22 Mar. 2025
  • The decision to sell is typically based on price movement rather than intrinsic value.
    True Tamplin, Forbes, 21 Mar. 2025
Adjective
  • In the 2½ seasons since that turnaround, Bryant has become an integral part of a group that has collected big moments to initiate a program about-face.
    Colleen Kane, Chicago Tribune, 21 Mar. 2025
  • Dan was an integral part of our organization for 35 seasons, and his work as executive producer of the Chiefs Radio Network helped bring the game to life for millions of listeners across Chiefs Kingdom.
    Pete Grathoff, Kansas City Star, 21 Mar. 2025
Adjective
  • Customers could simply send in a saliva sample and receive a report about their family tree, demographics, and even their risk for certain hereditary health conditions.
    Claire Bugos, Verywell Health, 26 Mar. 2025
  • If Mojtaba does indeed become supreme leader, not only will the Islamic Republic come closer to becoming a hereditary monarchy, but the forward defense may get a second wind.
    Foreign Affairs, Foreign Affairs, 25 Feb. 2025
Adjective
  • Forbes Daily: Join over 1 million Forbes Daily subscribers and get our best stories, exclusive reporting and essential analysis of the day’s news in your inbox every weekday.
    Bruce Y. Lee, Forbes.com, 30 Mar. 2025
  • Vogue Daily newsletter Get essential fashion, style, and tips, in your inbox.
    Nicole Kliest, Vogue, 29 Mar. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Inbred.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/inbred. Accessed 2 Apr. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on inbred

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