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

Now Lord Rayleigh or John Strutt, the third Baron Rayleigh, was what's known as a hereditary peer. —Mariel Carr, Scientific American, 20 Mar. 2026

Such a transition would have been controversial under normal circumstances, given his lack of experience and the ideological sensitivity around hereditary succession in a system born from anti-monarchical revolution. —Mehrzad Boroujerdi, The Conversation, 19 Mar. 2026

The story follows a young woman who regains consciousness after three years in a coma, only to be confronted by the apparition of her deceased sister, as their mother’s search for the truth behind the sister’s death gradually uncovers a dark hereditary secret stretching back centuries. —Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 17 Mar. 2026

The succession from father to son is notable because the revolution overthrew a hereditary monarchy. —Jennifer Jacobs, CBS News, 15 Mar. 2026