HEREDITY Synonyms: 34 Similar and Opposite Words

heredity

noun

Definition of heredity

as in blood

formal the natural process by which physical and mental qualities are passed from a parent to a child Heredity plays no part in the disease.

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Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Recent Examples of heredity These two features have led to the suggestion that early life was protein-free, with RNA handling both heredity and catalyzing a simple metabolism. — Jonathan M. Gitlin, ArsTechnica, 13 Feb. 2026 His second album, Baby—a meditation on heredity, shredded and reconstituted in a $10 DJ program—was released to rapturous acclaim in August. — Paul A. Thompson, Pitchfork, 8 Dec. 2025 To truly understand genes and heredity, researchers had to learn to read the DNA code. — Nell Greenfieldboyce, NPR, 7 Nov. 2025 In short, heredity advancement driven by desire. — D. Scott Schmid, Denver Post, 22 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for heredity

Recent Examples of Synonyms for heredity

Noun

In a Towie-style home, her former close friend Cee, who is married to Marcus’s brother Mario (Agamemnon), hosts a tense event to mark her return – blood-spattered and still in shock.

— The Week UK, TheWeek, 18 Sep. 2026
The lymphatic system runs alongside blood circulation and picks up fluid and larger particles that veins cannot absorb, moving that waste back toward the bloodstream so the kidneys can filter it or the body can reuse it.

— Samantha Agate, Sacbee.com, 17 Sep. 2026

Definition of blood

Noun

After 36 years, investigators were able to match DNA to her sister, Tania Buchanan, through genetic genealogy.

— Lillian Metzmeier, Louisville Courier Journal, 2 Sep. 2026
The deputy had previously tried to pursue genetic genealogy through one grant process, but the results didn’t pan out.

— Taylor Romine, CNN Money, 31 Aug. 2026

Definition of genealogy

Noun

And there is the family—the relationships, the history, the roles assigned decades before anyone thought about succession.

— Joy Nissen, Forbes.com, 16 Sep. 2026
This approach, known as succession planting, is particularly useful with cilantro because the plant can have such a short window for harvesting leaves.

— Rachel Gillett, Martha Stewart, 15 Sep. 2026

Definition of succession

Noun

In 1970, when the wolves went nearly extinct in the wild, researchers captured five animals to establish a captive breeding program and bring them back from the brink.

— Sarah Henry, AZCentral.com, 11 Sep. 2026
Get rid of mosquito breeding sites by removing standing water around your home, including any containers that collect water; cleaning clogged roof gutters and treating retention ponds and drainage ditches with a mosquito larvicide.

— Karma Sabbah, CBS News, 10 Sep. 2026

Definition of breeding

Noun

In predominantly Hindu Nepal, mourning periods last 13 days, during which close family members stay home and relatives visit to pay their respects.

— ABC News, ABC News, 7 Sep. 2026
Richard Gere’s Life Now The actor moved to his wife’s home country of Spain with their two sons at the end of 2024 so Silva could be closer to her relatives.

— Stephanie Sengwe, PEOPLE, 31 Aug. 2026

Definition of relatives

Noun

Today, 55% of the city's residents have Middle Eastern ancestry, and the mayor, police chief, and schools superintendent are all Muslims of Arab descent.

— Niraj Warikoo, Freep.com, 12 Sep. 2026
That includes not only your own personal memories and experiences, but also ancestry, imagination and empathy.

— Brian Davids, HollywoodReporter, 8 Sep. 2026

Definition of ancestry

Noun

Grooming remains one of the biggest threats facing children and families, according to Jenkins.

— Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 7 Sep. 2026
Bridgespan’s report finds that families in middle-income countries are more likely to administer their own programs than those in higher-income countries.

— Nicholas Gordon, Fortune, 7 Sep. 2026

Definition of family

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heredities

heredity

hereinbelow

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“Heredity.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/heredity. Accessed 19 Sep. 2026.

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Synonyms of heredity

noun

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