INBRED Synonyms: 51 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

inbred

adjective

ˈin-ˈbred

Definition of inbred next

as in inherent

being a part of the innermost nature of a person or thing an inbred desire to do good in the world

Synonyms & Similar Words

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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