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

The issue that gnawed at him decades later was that staying felt like more of a hereditary imperative than an intentional decision. —Danielle Paquette The Washington Post, Arkansas Online, 12 Apr. 2026

Proceeds support Vision of Children’s mission to cure childhood hereditary blindness and improve quality of life for children and families. —Linda McIntosh, San Diego Union-Tribune, 10 Apr. 2026

Breast cancer development is complex, and as many as 10% of breast cancer cases are hereditary. —Stephanie Brown, PEOPLE, 7 Apr. 2026

For example, mutations in myosin genes involved in inner ear function can cause hereditary hearing loss, as these proteins are essential for the proper operation of sensory hair cells. —Encyclopedia Britannica, 3 Apr. 2026