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

In 2022, after he was hospitalized following a cardiac incident, Brendon's sister told fans he had been diagnosed with a congenital heart defect. —Brendan Morrow, USA Today, 22 Mar. 2026

In 2022, a post on his Instagram account shared with fans that the actor had been rushed to the hospital after a cardiac incident, adding he had been diagnosed with a congenital heart defect. —Lori A Bashian, FOXNews.com, 21 Mar. 2026

However, Brendon’s later career was marred by both physical and mental health issues; the actor underwent spinal surgeries in 2021, followed a year later by a heart attack caused by a congenital heart defect. —Daniel Kreps, Rolling Stone, 21 Mar. 2026

Modeling predicts the change could result in 72,000 additional deaths from measles and congenital rubella syndrome, according to the Gavi board’s records. —Patricia Callahan, ProPublica, 19 Mar. 2026