Synonyms of congenital

congenital

adjective

kən-ˈje-nə-tᵊl 

as in chronic

being such from birth or by nature

a congenital liar who couldn't speak the truth if his life depended on it

Synonyms & Similar Words

• chronic
• born
• natural
• hereditary
• regular
• constitutional
• native
• proper
• habitual
• confirmed
• inherent
• innate
• intrinsic
• inveterate
• elementary
• elemental
• incorrigible
• essential
• inborn
• ingrained
• unregenerate
• unreconstructed
• consummate
• intimate
• intuitive
• connate
• instinctual

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• nonnatural
• developed
• foreign
• trained
• cultivated
• unnatural
• alien

Synonym Chooser

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

Some common synonyms of congenital are hereditary, inborn, inbred, and innate. While all these words mean "not acquired after birth," 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 can inborn be used instead of congenital?

While the synonyms inborn and congenital 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 could inbred be used to replace congenital?

Although the words inbred and congenital have much in common, 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

When is innate a more appropriate choice than congenital?

The words innate and congenital can be used in similar contexts, but innate applies to qualities or characteristics that are part of one's inner essential nature.

an innate sense of fair play

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of congenital

Roughly one-third of congenital heart defects in children with Down syndrome resolve naturally, and many need only a minor intervention. — Michelle Sie Whitten, STAT, 25 June 2026

Before an infant leaves the hospital, screening will include a crucial pulse oximetry test to look for critical congenital heart disease. — Jen Christensen, CNN Money, 24 June 2026

He was born with a rare congenital knee condition called bipartite patella, in which the kneecap doesn’t fuse together. — Maddie Lee, Los Angeles Times, 12 June 2026

Proceeds from Disneyland license plate sales will benefit the 13 children’s hospitals in California that treat kids with medical conditions like cancer, congenital heart disease and cystic fibrosis. — Brady MacDonald, Oc Register, 10 June 2026