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 genetic condition is hereditary; one of Happy Hollow’s previous jaguars, Kianto, also had it (and yes, Kianto and Sonries are related). — Sal Pizarro, Mercury News, 5 Sep. 2026

Depending on the policy, coverage can differ for diagnostic testing, hereditary or congenital conditions, prescription medications, rehabilitation, behavioral treatment and other types of care. — Angelica Leicht, CBS News, 27 Aug. 2026

Huntington’s disease is hereditary in an autosomal dominant pattern, meaning anyone who inherits the gene from a parent will develop the condition. — Heidi Moawad, Verywell Health, 27 Aug. 2026

About 10% of pancreatic cancers are considered familial or hereditary. — Pamela McLoughlin, Hartford Courant, 19 Aug. 2026