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.

Related Words

Relevance

Dissimilar Words

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 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 For people who are profoundly deaf, there is an interruption of the sound signal to the auditory nerve, which can be caused by illness, trauma, or heredity. — IEEE Spectrum, 27 Jan. 2022 The institution of the caliphate, now based on the twin principles of force and heredity, was further degraded from the middle of the tenth century with the rise of Turko-Persian military fiefdoms. — Mohammed Ayoob, Foreign Affairs, 3 Apr. 2016 See All Example Sentences for heredity

Recent Examples of Synonyms for heredity

Noun

Under cross-examination, Wallace said investigators did not swab or collect two chainsaws found in Burke’s garage because both tested negative for possible traces of blood.

— Nancy Dillon, Rolling Stone, 24 July 2026
Detectives believe that the killer cut herself during the attack and left the spot of blood.

— Harriet Ramos, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 23 July 2026

Definition of blood

Noun

The identification of the Golden State Killer in 2018 was the first time a major public case had been solved through genetic genealogy, according to Moore.

— Chris Boyette, CNN Money, 25 July 2026
Investigative genetic genealogy provides lead Investigators uploaded the DNA profile of the unknown woman into CODIS, the national law enforcement database, but couldn’t come up with a match.

— Harriet Ramos, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 23 July 2026

Definition of genealogy

Noun

In doing so, advisors may be able to add real, lasting value, not just through standard methods like investment management, but also through more nuanced means like estate planning, business succession, and family governance.

— Matthew Kayser July 24, Miami Herald, 24 July 2026
The four-hour production (which includes a 20 minute interval) is set just before the events in Martin’s novels and will follow the great houses of Westeros as ambition, family bonds and succession collide during the reign of the Mad King.

— K.J. Yossman, Variety, 24 July 2026

Definition of succession

Noun

To mitigate those losses, scientists are developing a wide range of tools—combining advances in genetics, breeding, and crop physiology—to make agriculture more resilient to climate risks.

— Derek Norman, Forbes.com, 21 July 2026
Keeping your lawn and garden well-maintained can also help reduce grasshopper populations by destroying their breeding habitat.

— The Spruce, The Spruce, 21 July 2026

Definition of breeding

Noun

Without a mentor to guide him, Aang spends his spare time hunting for Air Nomad relics in an attempt to connect with his ancestry.

— Alison Herman, Variety, 24 July 2026
Why, then, would birthright citizenship be singled out and disputed because of one’s Chinese ancestry?

— Claire Ke, Encyclopedia Britannica, 22 July 2026

Definition of ancestry

Noun

For families Families are welcome and extra beds can be added, but bear in mind the elevation, rocky terrain and malaria risk.

— Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 27 July 2026
The Sun in your 4th House of Home opposes Pluto in your 10th House of Career, stirring pressure around family needs, professional expectations, privacy, and control.

— Tarot.com, The Orlando Sentinel, 27 July 2026

Definition of family

Browse Nearby Words

heredities

heredity

hereinbelow

See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

Style

“Heredity.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/heredity. Accessed 29 Jul. 2026.

Copy Citation

Synonyms of heredity

noun

Example Sentences

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

More from Merriam-Webster on heredity

More from Merriam-Webster

Word of the Day

inveigle

Popular in Grammar & Usage

7 Pairs of Commonly Confused Words

Merriam-Webster’s Great Big List of Words You Love to Hate

Is it 'nerve-racking' or 'nerve-wracking'?

Why does English have so many silent letters?

Your vs. You're: How to Use Them Correctly

Popular in Wordplay

Dutch Treat and French Leave: Eight Place-Based Compounds

14 Phobias You Probably Haven't Heard Of

The Longest Long Words List

The Words of the Week - Jul 24

Even More Bird Names that Sound Like Insults (and Sometimes Are)

Popular

7 Pairs of Commonly Confused Words

Dutch Treat and French Leave: Eight Place-Based Compounds

14 Phobias You Probably Haven't Heard Of

Games & Quizzes