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 Some populations are much more inbred than others, because of cultural practices. Razib Khan, Discover Magazine, 18 July 2013 But her European ancestry is a lot less informative here, and a lot of the variance in the plot is taken up by the inbred and distinctive Kalash. Razib Khan, Discover Magazine, 24 Apr. 2012 He or she would not even be nominated in today’s political web of self-serving, inbred, power-hungry political party leaders. San Diego Union-Tribune, 2 Dec. 2022 It’s middle to upper-middle class, but with pockets of inbred poverty. Christopher Borrelli, Chicago Tribune, 13 Oct. 2022 See all Example Sentences for inbred 
Recent Examples of Synonyms for inbred
Adjective
  • All GOATs should have some mystery to them, some inherent distance between themselves and us mortals.
    Will Leitch, The Hollywood Reporter, 7 Feb. 2025
  • The team analyzed visible, near-infrared, and near-ultraviolet wavelength data from 20 exoplanet systems in the same way to minimize bias that might be inherent to other studies.
    Robert Lea, Space.com, 6 Feb. 2025
Adjective
  • These parents focused on fostering intrinsic motivation, helping their child take pride in their own achievements.
    Reem Raouda, Contributor, CNBC, 2 Feb. 2025
  • Three days before his presidential inauguration, Donald Trump launched a meme coin, a type of cryptocurrency whose value is buoyed by social media and internet culture, rather than any sort of functionality or intrinsic value.
    Maximilian Brichta, The Conversation, 30 Jan. 2025
Adjective
  • Just in time for Black History Month, Broadway’s first permanent museum has a special exhibit focusing on Black creatives who have played an integral part in its success.
    Karu F. Daniels, New York Daily News, 30 Jan. 2025
  • That means the relationship uncovered could be integral to galaxy growth as well as supermassive black hole growth.
    Robert Lea, Space.com, 29 Jan. 2025
Adjective
  • Family history: Oily skin or seborrheic dermatitis that's hereditary can increase your risk of wet dandruff.
    Lindsay Curtis, Health, 5 Feb. 2025
  • Additionally, their cancer screening option identifies hereditary risks, enabling proactive approaches to potential challenges.
    Kara Markley Sterling, USA TODAY, 2 Feb. 2025
Adjective
  • Vogue Daily newsletter Get essential fashion, style, and tips, in your inbox.
    Nicole Kliest, Vogue, 9 Feb. 2025
  • Five years ago, Democratic leaders defended stay-at-home orders, school closures and business shutdowns as essential to slowing the virus's spread.
    Yaakov Katz, Newsweek, 9 Feb. 2025

Thesaurus Entries Near inbred

Cite this Entry

“Inbred.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/inbred. Accessed 16 Feb. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on inbred

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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