Synonyms of hereditary

hereditary

adjective

hə-ˈre-də-ˌter-ē 

as in genetic

genetically passed or capable of being passed from parent to offspring

eye and hair color are hereditary

Synonyms & Similar Words

• genetic
• inherited
• inherent
• inheritable
• genetical
• heritable
• inborn
• congenital
• innate
• inbred
• native
• natural

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• nonhereditary
• acquired

Synonym Chooser

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

Some common synonyms of hereditary are congenital, 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 might inborn be a better fit than hereditary?

While the synonyms inborn and hereditary 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 can inbred be used instead of hereditary?

The synonyms inbred and hereditary are sometimes interchangeable, but 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

Where would innate be a reasonable alternative to hereditary?

While in some cases nearly identical to hereditary, 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 hereditary

Yet that sprig held a hereditary, and potentially scandalous, secret. —Byandrew Curry, science.org, 6 Mar. 2025

The medical examiner ruled her death the result of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease, or hardened arteries, possibly due to a hereditary disorder. —Cody Copeland, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 28 Apr. 2025

Most dermatologists believed that 90% of hair loss was hereditary and that the hormone testosterone was the cause once it was converted to its active form DHT. —Caroline Tell, Forbes.com, 24 Apr. 2025

The constitution of the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan states that the throne is passed down through King Abdullah Ibn Al-Hussein's dynasty, following a hereditary line of male heirs — with the elder Iman and her newborn not being in the line of succession. —Brenton Blanchet, People.com, 16 Feb. 2025