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

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 indigenous Opponents said the courts had already settled the principles of the treaty and that the draft list Seymour put forward would erode indigenous rights and harm social cohesion. Todd Symons, CNN Money, 10 Apr. 2025 Choose from among four wellness journeys that take inspiration from the medicine wheel, a sacred symbol of hope and a movement toward healing for generations of indigenous communities. Roger Sands, Forbes.com, 9 Apr. 2025 Long term, Colossal plans to restore the species in secure and expansive ecological preserves, potentially on indigenous land. Michael Dorgan, FOXNews.com, 8 Apr. 2025 Traditions and treatments Ibogaine has been used for centuries by indigenous peoples of Gabon, in Central Africa, for initiation rituals. Big Think, 24 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for indigenous
Recent Examples of Synonyms for indigenous
Adjective
  • The evolutionary anthropologist Joseph Henrich has summoned the example of the aboriginal Tasmanians, who were cut off from mainland Australia about ten thousand years ago.
    Gideon Lewis-Kraus, The New Yorker, 24 Feb. 2025
  • Before the colonization of Australia, many aboriginal people buried dingoes with rites indistinguishable from those used for humans.
    Rafil Kroll-Zaidi, Harper's Magazine, 2 Jan. 2024
Adjective
  • The diversity of approaches—from China's emphasis on computational speed to Google's focus on error correction and Microsoft's topological architecture—reflects different strategies for overcoming quantum computing's inherent challenges.
    Luis E. Romero, Forbes, 10 Mar. 2025
  • There is a collage aesthetic to the film, because that’s just inherent to my experience growing up, getting so much information in so many different forms of media shot into my eyes.
    Adam B. Vary, Variety, 10 Mar. 2025
Adjective
  • The other big change is a floating deck for Apple’s native apps.
    Jibin Joseph, PC Magazine, 8 Apr. 2025
  • Freshwater crocodiles, also called Siamese crocodiles, are medium-sized and native to Southeast Asia, according to Thai National Parks.
    Irene Wright, Miami Herald, 7 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • In fact, gardening ranked among the top five activities that participants found most meaningful, which speaks to the deep, intrinsic satisfaction such hobbies bring.
    Mark Travers, Forbes.com, 14 Apr. 2025
  • The most important factor behind a player’s intrinsic value is their quality.
    Jacob Whitehead, New York Times, 9 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • This number continues to increase every day, making social media a non-negotiable, integral part of any successful business strategy for companies who want to capture public attention and enter their markets fast.
    Rachel Wells, Forbes.com, 14 Apr. 2025
  • Smart Home Integration Technology is an integral part of the modern luxury home.
    Rowan Briggs, Mercury News, 12 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • Since 2014, the ACL Hall of Fame has honored artists who have played an essential role in the series’ half-century as a premier supporter of top-shelf music.
    Jessica Nicholson, Billboard, 10 Apr. 2025
  • The Trump administration’s decision to cut USAID funding has deprived the country of essential funding and created more uncertainty for the CHW program and other initiatives.
    The Dial, The Dial, 10 Apr. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Indigenous.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/indigenous. Accessed 22 Apr. 2025.

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