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
• heritable
• congenital
• inborn
• innate
• native
• inbred
• 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

Proceeds support Vision of Children’s mission to cure childhood hereditary blindness and improve quality of life. —Ut Community Press, San Diego Union-Tribune, 10 Mar. 2026

First hereditary transition since the 1979 Iranian Revolution Mojtaba Khamenei's appointment marks the first time since the 1979 Islamic Revolution that the role of Supreme Leader has moved from father to son, according to The Guardian. —James Powel, USA Today, 9 Mar. 2026

The son of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, who was killed in an airstrike when the war began, represents the Islamic Republic’s first hereditary succession. —Jason Ma, Fortune, 9 Mar. 2026

The medical examiner ruled her death the result of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease, or hardened arteries, possibly due to a hereditary disorder. —Shambhavi Rimal, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 6 Mar. 2026