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

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 congenital Nour had congenital heart disease and developmental delays. Jenna Thompson, Kansas City Star, 6 June 2025 He was born with severe congenital glaucoma in both eyes, which caused him immense pain. Lydia Patrick, MSNBC Newsweek, 15 June 2025 Paul was born with five congenital heart defects, and had his first surgery right after he was born. Meredith Kile, People.com, 14 June 2025 She had been born with complex congenital heart defects: parts of the right side of her heart hadn’t developed, and there were multiple holes in the organ. Jordan Greene, People.com, 4 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for congenital
Recent Examples of Synonyms for congenital
Adjective
  • For those with a loved one facing Alzheimer’s disease, dementia or another chronic illness, the program will help participants better understand the costs of caregiving and the benefits of early planning.
    Post-Tribune, Chicago Tribune, 30 June 2025
  • Mitchell viewed his position as intrinsically connected to Eales, who brought him to the club at the start of July and then announced two months later he had been diagnosed with a chronic form of blood cancer.
    Chris Waugh, New York Times, 30 June 2025
Adjective
  • Shaw has said he was reborn after the shooting and years later would become a born-again Christian.
    Jordan Blum, Houston Chronicle, 9 June 2019
  • In his mid-40s, Mr. Phillips had quietly become a born-again Christian after attending a Billy Graham rally.
    James R. Hagerty, WSJ, 18 Jan. 2019
Adjective
  • The natural linen and cane come together beautifully with the wood accents.
    Julia Harrison, Architectural Digest, 8 July 2025
  • This natural cause-and-effect helps build self-control in decision making, which is more effective than a lecture alone.
    ​Wendy Wisner, Parents, 8 July 2025
Adjective
  • The extravagant, dissolute life Prince Albert II of Monaco continues to bolster arguments of those who think that hereditary monarchies should not be allowed to exist in the 21st century.
    Martha Ross, Mercury News, 18 June 2025
  • In a world of hereditary monarchies, there was a very real possibility at the time of America’s founding that whoever gained power would refuse to hand it over when the time came.
    Frederic J. Fransen, Twin Cities, 11 June 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Congenital.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/congenital. Accessed 12 Jul. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on congenital

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