INNATE Synonyms: 51 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: How is the word 'innate' different from other adjectives like it?

Some common synonyms of innate are congenital , hereditary , inborn , and inbred . While all these words mean "not acquired after birth," innate applies to qualities or characteristics that are part of one's inner essential nature. // an innate sense of fair play

Q: How are the words 'congenital' and 'hereditary' related as synonyms of 'innate'?

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 would 'inborn' be a good substitute for 'innate'?

The meanings of inborn and innate largely overlap; however, 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 'inbred' be a better fit than 'innate'?

The synonyms inbred and innate are sometimes interchangeable, but 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

innate

adjective

i-ˈnāt

Definition of innate next

as in inherent

being a part of the innermost nature of a person or thing an innate athletic ability that allowed him to excel at just about any sport he tried his hand at

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

Some common synonyms of innate are congenital, hereditary, inborn, and inbred. While all these words mean "not acquired after birth," innate applies to qualities or characteristics that are part of one's inner essential nature.

an innate sense of fair play

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

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 would inborn be a good substitute for innate?

The meanings of inborn and innate largely overlap; however, 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 inbred be a better fit than innate?

The synonyms inbred and innate are sometimes interchangeable, but 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

Example Sentences

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Recent Examples of innate Afterwards there was always a line of fans who wanted to interact with Hugel who always seems to have an innate sense of how to be both available and appropriate. —

Eric Fuller, Forbes, 24 Jan. 2025 Traditional lanterns hang overhead while a Koi fish fountain sprays water into a pond, designed to reflect nature’s innate balance and harmony. —

Rachel Chang, Travel + Leisure, 21 Jan. 2025 One of the primary reasons behind it is their innate sense of independence. —

Tommy Tuberville, Newsweek, 9 Jan. 2025 Second look sentencing policies are a matter of recognizing the innate human capacity for change and evolution. —

Eddie Deleon, Hartford Courant, 27 Jan. 2025 See all Example Sentences for innate

Recent Examples of Synonyms for innate

Adjective

All GOATs should have some mystery to them, some inherent distance between themselves and us mortals.

— Will Leitch, The Hollywood Reporter, 7 Feb. 2025
The team analyzed visible, near-infrared, and near-ultraviolet wavelength data from 20 exoplanet systems in the same way to minimize bias that might be inherent to other studies.

— Robert Lea, Space.com, 6 Feb. 2025