heredity

noun

Definition of hereditynext
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
  1. blood
  2. genealogy
  3. succession
  4. breeding
  5. relatives
  6. ancestry
  7. birth
  8. family
Noun
  • The treatment also returned the aging immune system to a more youthful state, including changes to the marrow’s blood-producing tissues.
    — New Atlas, New Atlas, 6 Nov. 2026
  • Breast arterial calcification is calcium buildup in the walls of medium-sized arteries that carry blood through the breast.
    — Matthew Nudy, The Conversation, 5 Nov. 2026
Definition of blood
Noun
  • Testing could include genetic genealogy, tracing relatives through DNA connections.
    — CBS News, CBS News, 2 Nov. 2026
  • To anyone accustomed to the usual genealogies of either Judd or late-twentieth-century architecture, his choice of Alexander might have been startling.
    — Julian Rose, Artforum, 1 Nov. 2026
Definition of genealogy
Noun
  • As speaker, Jeffries would be second in the presidential line of succession, after the vice president.
    — Eric McDaniel, NPR, 4 Nov. 2026
  • The local whale deaths, occurring in quick succession over a span of less than two months, were cause for alarm among some animal activists.
    — Emily Hoerner, Chicago Tribune, 3 Nov. 2026
Definition of succession
Noun
  • Scientists inserted genes associated with Alzheimer’s into mouse genomes, breeding animals that had high levels of amyloid in their brains; the mice then began to struggle with spatial navigation.
    — Manvir Singh, New Yorker, 2 Nov. 2026
  • Deer breeding behavior, known as the rut, aligns with the changing length of daylight.
    — Margherita Bassi, Popular Science, 31 Oct. 2026
Definition of breeding
Noun
  • Additional speakers included members of the Ben Crump civil rights law firm, who stood by Frimpong's relatives.
    — CBS News, CBS News, 8 Nov. 2026
  • In addition to working as a home health aide for 18 years, Espina-Espinal, 55, raised four children, including a son who was murdered in 2009, relatives said.
    — Kerry Burke, New York Daily News, 7 Nov. 2026
Definition of relatives
Noun
  • Instead, the report estimated the girls had 50% Ukrainian ancestry.
    — Megan Molteni, STAT, 2 Nov. 2026
  • It is often erroneously compared to Halloween, though the two holidays may share ancestry in Catholicism’s All Saints’ Day and All Souls’ Day.
    — Rocio Muñoz Ledo, CNN Money, 31 Oct. 2026
Definition of ancestry
Noun
  • Economists warn that fewer births mean a smaller future workforce, slower growth and more strain on Social Security.
    — Amanda Smith, Fortune, 8 Nov. 2026
  • Before Gwen’s birth, Stephanie’s midwife gave her a five-page handout on newborn vitamin K.
    — Duaa Eldeib, ProPublica, 8 Nov. 2026
Definition of birth
Noun
  • Gu, a Korean national, said she’s been denied a visa since 2023 to return to China as a family member.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 9 Nov. 2026
  • In a staff memo, Huang apologized to his family and Nvidia employees.
    — Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 9 Nov. 2026
Definition of family

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heredities
heredity
hereinbelow
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Cite this Entry

“Heredity.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/heredity. Accessed 10 Nov. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on heredity

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about heredity

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