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

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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 heritable 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 Haidt is far from the first person to assert that a proper understanding of evolutionary science implies the existence of heritable group differences, including in intelligence, that conform to common stereotypes. Erik Baker, Harpers Magazine, 18 June 2025 For now, most therapies target the body's somatic cells, not the germline—but as our tools improve, the possibility of heritable cures edges closer, raising hope and new ethical questions. William A. Haseltine, Forbes.com, 2 June 2025 Programs slated for elimination include Healthy Start, which is dedicated to healthy pregnancies and births, newborn screenings for heritable disorders and hearing, infant and early childhood mental health, childhood lead poisoning, family planning and drowning prevention. Jenny Gold, Los Angeles Times, 23 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for heritable
Recent Examples of Synonyms for heritable
Adjective
  • Previous studies relied on a process known as polymerase chain reaction (PCR), which amplifies small or degraded fragments of DNA, allowing scientists to analyze genetic material even from old or damaged organic matter.
    New Atlas, New Atlas, 24 Oct. 2025
  • After removing environmental contamination, the team sequenced and analyzed the genetic material.
    Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 24 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • This early modern period would set the foundations of the rise of the transatlantic slave trade and a new form of slavery—hereditary racial slavery—that would be central to the creation of the racial-caste hierarchy and to the rise of Britain’s wealthy and brutal Caribbean slave empire.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 23 Oct. 2025
  • Most cases of early-onset cancer are not explained by a heritable factor, but Ng said those diagnosed with any cancer at a young age have a higher chance of being diagnosed with a hereditary syndrome, such as Lynch syndrome or familial adenomatous polyposis.
    Andrea Kane, CNN Money, 16 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • The last thing an inherited home or property should bring about is unnecessary stress or financial strain.
    Ronny Maye, Essence, 1 Sep. 2025
  • Coaching again focused on thinking, teaching participants to engage in generative conversations about inherited truths, surfacing blind spots and nurturing innovation.
    Thomas Lim, Forbes.com, 15 Aug. 2025
Adjective
  • 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
  • These shares are also inheritable, allowing them to be passed on to heirs.
    Daniela Sanjinés, The Conversation, 22 July 2025
Adjective
  • For the most part, though, his attention to detail and his feeling for structure yielded readings of inherent, inarguable rightness.
    Alex Ross, New Yorker, 21 Oct. 2025
  • In fact, it's all done rather haphazardly, but with inherent purpose, which is exactly how a true Southern cook runs a kitchen.
    Kaitlyn Yarborough, Southern Living, 20 Oct. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Heritable.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/heritable. Accessed 29 Oct. 2025.

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