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
  • That kind of inherent understanding of a community in a specific geographical area, and the intricacies of their struggles, can’t be researched, only witnessed firsthand.
    Carlos Aguilar, Variety, 27 Jan. 2025
  • To operate a dangerous vehicle is not an inherent right but a privilege, and one that can be taken away for those who don’t exercise it responsibly.
    New York Daily News Editorial Board, New York Daily News, 25 Jan. 2025
Adjective
  • Ola Malmqvist, who was the United States Tennis Association’s head of women’s tennis during Gauff's breakout, agrees with the players that physicality and athleticism have become more intrinsic to the tour, creating a greater gulf for teen prodigies to cross.
    Charlie Eccleshare, The Athletic, 18 Jan. 2025
  • Finding Balance Self-Determination Theory holds that autonomy—the fundamental need to feel a sense of control and personal agency over our actions—is tightly linked to intrinsic motivation, engagement, and overall well-being.
    Spencer Dorn, Forbes, 17 Jan. 2025
Adjective
  • Birthright citizenship has been interpreted, repeatedly, as an integral part of the 14th Amendment.
    Kristen Waggoner, Newsweek, 21 Jan. 2025
  • The sitcom’s setting played an integral part in Whelan’s passion for seeing the world.
    Angel Saunders, People.com, 21 Jan. 2025
Adjective
  • But in other cases, hereditary dark circles can result in a persistently tired look, which is where a few drops of filler under the eyes may be useful.
    Lauren Valenti, Vogue, 15 Jan. 2025
  • Whether by exploring reproductive health, hereditary risks, or both, tools like those offered by jscreen.org provide recipients with the chance to take control of their futures.
    Hilary Tetenbaum, USA TODAY, 8 Jan. 2025
Adjective
  • Vogue Daily newsletter Get essential fashion, style, and tips, in your inbox.
    Emma Specter, Vogue, 16 Jan. 2025
  • For both schizophrenia and other forms of psychosis, early treatment is essential.
    Brittany Dube, Health, 16 Jan. 2025

Thesaurus Entries Near inbred

Cite this Entry

“Inbred.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/inbred. Accessed 31 Jan. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on inbred

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