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 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 So no one doubted Sergei Bobrovsky’s inbred, blue-collar toughness. Dave Hyde, Sun Sentinel, 6 May 2022 See All Example Sentences for inbred
Recent Examples of Synonyms for inbred
Adjective
  • But Next Time? The fast-moving conflict between India and Pakistan last week demonstrated the inherent dangers of the modern nuclear age. 7h agoBy W.J. Hennigan TODAYS FRONT PAGES Edition: INYT - Page Two Harvard Law Paid $27 for a Copy of Magna Carta.
    Ben Hubbard Saumya Khandelwal Matthew DeFeo W.J. Hennigan, New York Times, 15 May 2025
  • This description captures both the ambition and the inherent tension in this evolution.
    Josipa Majic Predin, Forbes.com, 15 May 2025
Adjective
  • That journey is rooted in aligning their personal growth with organizational goals—and it must be shaped by intrinsic motivation, not fear, force or obligation.
    Dr. Monika Sumra, Forbes.com, 20 May 2025
  • Wex Payments company Wex is trading far below its intrinsic value and has the potential to more than double in the next three to five years, according to Impactive Capital co-founder and managing partner Lauren Taylor Wolfe.
    Pia Singh,Yun Li, CNBC, 14 May 2025
Adjective
  • Choose sustainable and environmentally friendly designs Sustainability isn’t just a trendy term, but an integral part of the design process and Berk advises choosing materials that will weather the elements and won’t need to be replaced every two to three years.
    Mariette Williams, USA Today, 21 May 2025
  • For the milestone celebration, Queen Camilla not only favored one of her longtime favorite designers, but also a dress she’s previously worn and maintained as an integral part of her royal wardrobe.
    Julia Teti, Footwear News, 20 May 2025
Adjective
  • The medical examiner ruled her death the result of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease, or hardened arteries, possibly due to a hereditary disorder.
    Cody Copeland, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 28 Apr. 2025
  • Most dermatologists believed that 90% of hair loss was hereditary and that the hormone testosterone was the cause once it was converted to its active form DHT.
    Caroline Tell, Forbes.com, 24 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • Misty Copeland shares essential advice from Prince, favorite dish to cook, self-care tips The attitude required dealing with critics: 'Great empathy for these people' Years of criticism has taught Zee not to absorb the negativity of online trolls.
    Erin Jensen, USA Today, 17 May 2025
  • Meanwhile, emotional intelligence is consistently ranked as one of the most essential skills for navigating the future of work.
    Leisse Wilcox, Forbes.com, 16 May 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Inbred.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/inbred. Accessed 25 May. 2025.

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