Definition of heritablenext
as in hereditary
genetically passed or capable of being passed from parent to offspring heritable characteristics like skin and eye and hair color

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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 heritable In addition to this, other genetic variants – again, highly heritable – are thought to drive around 80% of ASD cases. New Atlas, 22 Sep. 2025 But in the 1970s studies of twins revealed that autism is highly heritable, not something that develops after birth. Allison Parshall, Scientific American, 10 Sep. 2025 Genetics play a significant role as well, as research shows that heritable factors account for about 40% to 60% of a person’s risk for developing BPD. Daryl Austin, USA Today, 10 Aug. 2025 She and American Eagle also have been accused of promoting eugenics, the manipulation of reproduction in the human population to increase heritable characteristics that are more desirable. Martha Ross, Mercury News, 4 Aug. 2025 See All Example Sentences for heritable
Recent Examples of Synonyms for heritable
Adjective
  • In 2025, researchers demonstrated that gene therapy could restore hearing in people born with a specific form of hereditary deafness caused by mutations in the OTOF gene.
    Kaif Shaikh, Interesting Engineering, 1 Jan. 2026
  • For example, scholars have shown that authoritarian regimes that rely on hereditary succession tend to be more stable.
    Stephen Kotkin, Foreign Affairs, 16 Dec. 2025
Adjective
  • The idea behind genetic genealogy is to take DNA from a crime scene and enter it into a publicly accessible genealogy DNA database in hopes of finding a close enough match to relatives of the unknown perpetrator.
    Teri Figueroa, San Diego Union-Tribune, 23 Jan. 2026
  • But because this strain also occurs in Canada and Mexico, CDC scientists are now analyzing the entire genomes of measles viruses — about 16,000 genetic letters long — to see whether those in the United States are more closely related to one another than to those in different countries.
    Amy Maxmen, CBS News, 22 Jan. 2026
Adjective
  • In addition to its inherited Cedar Fair parks, Six Flags still operates some of the most popular amusement parks in the country, from California's Six Flags Magic Mountain to Six Flags Great Adventure in New Jersey, Six Flags Over Texas, and Six Flags Over Georgia.
    Joey Nolfi, Entertainment Weekly, 3 Nov. 2025
  • The last thing an inherited home or property should bring about is unnecessary stress or financial strain.
    Ronny Maye, Essence, 1 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • Dias, on behalf of Owens’ estate, is seeking compensation for the past and future mental pain and suffering of Owens’ minor children, expenses of medical care and funeral arrangements arising from Owens’ death, loss of Owens’ prospective earnings and loss of inheritable estate.
    Jenna Sundel, MSNBC Newsweek, 3 Nov. 2025
  • Citizenship strategy has moved from a fringe consideration to standard practice among high-net-worth families, with parents and grandparents increasingly viewing passports as a form of inheritable wealth.
    Alex Ohnona, Fortune, 22 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • The risks inherent in the LBO structure are exacerbated by the amount of debt PSKY must incur, its current financial position and future prospects, as well as the lengthy period to close the transaction – which PSKY itself estimates to be 12-18 months following signing.
    Todd Spangler, Variety, 7 Jan. 2026
  • Seen through this lens, every person possesses inherent dignity and value.
    James O. Cunningham, The Orlando Sentinel, 6 Jan. 2026

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Heritable.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/heritable. Accessed 23 Jan. 2026.

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!