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 According to the Chicago Tribune, the sutures used to fix Toni’s congenital heart defect tore. Stephanie Nolasco, FOXNews.com, 25 May 2025 Another goal under the same umbrella is to decrease the count of congenital syphilis cases in Lake County from 4 in 2023 to zero in 2027. Alexandra Kukulka, Chicago Tribune, 17 May 2025 The death was originally classified as an accident and attributed to congenital heart abnormalities, even though his parents said there had never been any sign of such problems. Jacey Fortin, New York Times, 16 May 2025 Worldwide, it’s estimated that 240,000 babies die within their first 28 days due to congenital birth defects. Tyler Kingkade, NBC news, 10 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for congenital
Recent Examples of Synonyms for congenital
Adjective
  • Today, this is most likely in countries in Africa or Latin America, that suffer chronic currency depreciation and even hyperinflation.
    Nathan Lewis, Forbes.com, 18 June 2025
  • Manage chronic conditions: Follow your treatment plan for underlying conditions such as diabetes, which can increase your risk of pyuria.
    Lindsay Curtis, Health, 18 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
  • Plums make their presence known along roadsides and in natural areas in spring when fragrant white blooms cover their bare branches.
    Kim Toscano, Southern Living, 27 June 2025
  • But their back-and-forth reveals a natural chemistry between the two writers.
    Megan McCluskey, Time, 27 June 2025
Adjective
  • These types of stories breed an almost hereditary disdain: The wolf is, and can only ever be, an enemy.
    Jonathan C. Slaght, The Atlantic, 11 June 2025
  • Pandora had Li-Fraumeni syndrome, a rare hereditary syndrome that can increase the risk of several types of cancer.
    Janine Henni, People.com, 10 June 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Congenital.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/congenital. Accessed 2 Jul. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on congenital

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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