Synonyms of endemic

endemic

adjective

en-ˈde-mik 

as in indigenous

belonging to a particular place by birth or origin

the fish is not an endemic species of the lake, and it is rapidly devouring the native trout population

Synonyms & Similar Words

• indigenous
• aboriginal
• native
• autochthonous
• local
• domestic
• born
• regional
• original

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• introduced
• foreign
• exotic
• nonindigenous
• nonnative
• strange
• alien
• immigrant
• transplanted
• imported
• expatriate

Synonym Chooser

How is the word endemic distinct from other similar adjectives?

Some common synonyms of endemic are aboriginal, indigenous, and native. While all these words mean "belonging to a locality," endemic implies being peculiar to a region.

a disease endemic in Africa

When might aboriginal be a better fit than endemic?

The words aboriginal and endemic are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, aboriginal implies having no known others preceding in occupancy of a particular region.

the aboriginal peoples of Australia

When would indigenous be a good substitute for endemic?

While in some cases nearly identical to endemic, 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

When is it sensible to use native instead of endemic?

In some situations, the words native and endemic are roughly equivalent. However, native implies birth or origin in a place or region and may suggest compatibility with it.

native tribal customs

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of endemic

Those are often immigrant families, including from Asian and Pacific Islander communities in which hepatitis B remains endemic. —Dr. Céline Gounder, CBS News, 12 Dec. 2025

Now, wild poliovirus is only endemic, or consistently present, in two countries — Afghanistan and Pakistan. —Lauren Kent, CNN Money, 8 Dec. 2025

Poor governance, institutional decay, and environmental degradation remain endemic problems in the region. —Ray Takeyh, Foreign Affairs, 4 Dec. 2025

Days might include snorkeling with sea lions, kayaking past blue-footed boobies, and learning about endemic species over meals on deck. —Geoffrey Ravoire, Travel + Leisure, 29 Nov. 2025