as in genetic
genetically passed or capable of being passed from parent to offspring eye and hair color are hereditary

Synonyms & Similar Words

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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

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 hereditary 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 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 See All Example Sentences for hereditary
Recent Examples of Synonyms for hereditary
Adjective
  • While scientists have suspected these connections, before now the only evidence for them was archaeological, rather than genetic.
    Ashley Strickland, CNN Money, 2 July 2025
  • Shorter telomeres are associated with genetic instability.
    Ian Randall, MSNBC Newsweek, 2 July 2025
Adjective
  • Processing cheap rare earth is a nasty business using dangerous acid precursors that come with inherent risks, which bump up the prices of processing in the environmentally conscious West.
    Clem Chambers, Forbes.com, 14 July 2025
  • Justin brings an inherent understanding of my company that is essential for its growth.
    Justin Kroll, Deadline, 14 July 2025
Adjective
  • Quoting the late American historian Yosef Hayim Yerushalmi, Horn said Jewish culture makes a distinction between history and memory, and Jews are more interested in memory: investing a historical event with eternal, inheritable meaning.
    Andrew Silow-Carroll, Sun Sentinel, 8 Apr. 2025
  • Our vision is that the future of design will have a long lasting inheritable quality.
    Sydney Gore, Architectural Digest, 6 Feb. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Hereditary.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/hereditary. Accessed 21 Jul. 2025.

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