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

His father was born just months after the 1947 amendments came into force, and so narrowly missed out on a hereditary title. — Hanako Montgomery, CNN Money, 14 July 2026

The doctor also recommends staying informed of hereditary diseases, maintaining a healthy hormonal balance and keeping the brain active in retirement. — Angelica Stabile, FOXNews.com, 14 July 2026

Qatar, a geographically small country jutting off the Arabian Peninsula into the Persian Gulf, is ruled by a hereditary monarchy and is one of the wealthiest producers of oil and natural gas on the planet. — Joseph Konig, PEOPLE, 1 July 2026

Almost nothing was known about hereditary cancers at the time, and most experts expressed skepticism that these seemingly unrelated cancers might have anything in common. — Lawrence Ingrassia, STAT, 26 June 2026