Synonym Chooser

How is the word inbred different from other adjectives like it?

Some common synonyms of inbred are congenital, hereditary, inborn, and innate. While all these words mean "not acquired after birth," inbred suggests something either acquired from parents by heredity or so deeply rooted and ingrained as to seem acquired in that way.

inbred political loyalties

How are the words congenital and hereditary related as synonyms of inbred?

Both congenital and hereditary refer to what is acquired before or at birth, the former to things acquired during fetal development and the latter to things transmitted from one's ancestors.

a congenital heart murmur
eye color is hereditary

When could inborn be used to replace inbred?

While the synonyms inborn and inbred are close in meaning, inborn suggests a quality or tendency either actually present at birth or so marked and deep-seated as to seem so.

her inborn love of nature

When might innate be a better fit than inbred?

The words innate and inbred are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, innate applies to qualities or characteristics that are part of one's inner essential nature.

an innate sense of fair play

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 inbred It’s middle to upper-middle class, but with pockets of inbred poverty. Christopher Borrelli, Chicago Tribune, 13 Oct. 2022 Highly inbred populations are less resilient to environmental stress and changes. Rina Diane Caballar, Ars Technica, 5 Sep. 2022 Other troubling signs: a significant population of juvenile animals or such inbred or hybrid species as white tigers or ligers, a lion crossed with a tiger. Andrea Sachs, Washington Post, 18 Aug. 2022 This Joan is driven to lead men into battle not by the voices of saints nor a particular fealty to the French monarchy, but by a personal desire for vengeance and an inbred itch for violence. Maureen Corrigan, WSJ, 5 Aug. 2022 See All Example Sentences for inbred
Recent Examples of Synonyms for inbred
Adjective
  • In theory, that should smooth some of the rough edges inherent to a first-time starting quarterback.
    Pete Sampson, New York Times, 18 June 2025
  • And this fact is unrelated to another fact: Israel unequivocally has an inherent right to exist.
    DP Opinion, Denver Post, 17 June 2025
Adjective
  • In a 2021 study published in Psychological Reports, researchers explored how intrinsic motivation, the internal drive to act based on interest, personal importance or inner values, affects satisfaction in long-term romantic relationships.
    Mark Travers, Forbes.com, 22 June 2025
  • Underlying all of this is the intrinsic tendency to resist cooperation.
    Harvey Levine, San Diego Union-Tribune, 17 June 2025
Adjective
  • Legal recourse can be an integral part of institutional strategy.
    John Marino, Forbes.com, 26 June 2025
  • Scientific fieldwork is an integral part of research in many disciplines, including geology, geography, forestry, ecology, and others.
    Sarah Boon June 25, Literary Hub, 25 June 2025
Adjective
  • These types of stories breed an almost hereditary disdain: The wolf is, and can only ever be, an enemy.
    Jonathan C. Slaght, The Atlantic, 11 June 2025
  • Pandora had Li-Fraumeni syndrome, a rare hereditary syndrome that can increase the risk of several types of cancer.
    Janine Henni, People.com, 10 June 2025
Adjective
  • So, keeping a stock of band aids in your carry-on is essential.
    Merrell Readman, Travel + Leisure, 21 June 2025
  • Forbes Daily: Join over 1 million Forbes Daily subscribers and get our best stories, exclusive reporting and essential analysis of the day’s news in your inbox every weekday.
    Tom Sanderson, Forbes.com, 21 June 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Inbred.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/inbred. Accessed 30 Jun. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on inbred

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