INDIGENOUS Synonyms: 68 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: How is the word 'indigenous' distinct from other similar adjectives?

Some common synonyms of indigenous are aboriginal , endemic , and native . While all these words mean "belonging to a locality," indigenous applies to that which is not only native but which, as far as can be determined, has never been introduced or brought from elsewhere. // indigenous plants

Q: In what contexts can 'aboriginal' take the place of 'indigenous'?

The synonyms aboriginal and indigenous are sometimes interchangeable, but aboriginal implies having no known others preceding in occupancy of a particular region. // the aboriginal peoples of Australia

Q: When could 'endemic' be used to replace 'indigenous'?

While the synonyms endemic and indigenous are close in meaning, endemic implies being peculiar to a region. // a disease endemic in Africa

Q: When is it sensible to use 'native' instead of 'indigenous'?

The words native and indigenous can be used in similar contexts, but native implies birth or origin in a place or region and may suggest compatibility with it. // native tribal customs

indigenous

adjective

in-ˈdi-jə-nəs

Definition of indigenous next

as in aboriginal

belonging to a particular place by birth or origin the culture of the indigenous people of that country

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in inherent

being a part of the innermost nature of a person or thing the drive to create that is indigenous to humanity

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

How is the word indigenous distinct from other similar adjectives?

Some common synonyms of indigenous are aboriginal, endemic, and native. While all these words mean "belonging to a locality," indigenous applies to that which is not only native but which, as far as can be determined, has never been introduced or brought from elsewhere.

indigenous plants

In what contexts can aboriginal take the place of indigenous?

The synonyms aboriginal and indigenous are sometimes interchangeable, but aboriginal implies having no known others preceding in occupancy of a particular region.

the aboriginal peoples of Australia

When could endemic be used to replace indigenous?

While the synonyms endemic and indigenous are close in meaning, endemic implies being peculiar to a region.

a disease endemic in Africa

When is it sensible to use native instead of indigenous?

The words native and indigenous can be used in similar contexts, but native implies birth or origin in a place or region and may suggest compatibility with it.

native tribal customs

Examples 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 indigenous According to the final management plan, management of the monument will consider indigenous knowledge and incorporate tribes’ ancestral use of the landscape in management decisions. —

Andrew McKean, Outdoor Life, 3 Oct. 2024 As the executive director of the International Snow Leopard Trust, Mishra pioneered community conservation and his team protects up to 58,000 square miles of snow leopard habitat in partnership with indigenous communities. —

Karl Schneider, The Indianapolis Star, 17 Sep. 2024 This contamination hurts indigenous people who depend on the rivers for fishing, bathing and drinking, causing long-term health and environmental problems. —

Jalynn Hilton, ABC News, 17 Sep. 2024 Marquez says his research program is focused on how these frogs (named after the use of their toxin for poison darts by the Embera indigenous people) have evolved to avoid the harmful effects associated with consuming and accumulating toxic alkaloids. —

Andrew Wight, Forbes, 5 Sep. 2024 See all Example Sentences for indigenous

Recent Examples of Synonyms for indigenous

Adjective

The Ainu’s story is poignantly reminiscent of that of aboriginal folk elsewhere: lost land, language, culture and rights.

Gavin J Blair, The Hollywood Reporter, 3 Nov. 2024
Archaeological Planet is a museum dedicated to the history of Puerto Rico’s native aboriginal population, which includes thousands of artifacts that will transport you back in time.

Zayda Rivera, Parents, 19 Sep. 2024