Synonym Chooser

How is the word indigenous distinct from other similar adjectives?

Some common synonyms of indigenous are aboriginal, endemic, and native. While all these words mean "belonging to a locality," indigenous applies to that which is not only native but which, as far as can be determined, has never been introduced or brought from elsewhere.

indigenous plants

In what contexts can aboriginal take the place of indigenous?

The synonyms aboriginal and indigenous are sometimes interchangeable, but aboriginal implies having no known others preceding in occupancy of a particular region.

the aboriginal peoples of Australia

When could endemic be used to replace indigenous?

While the synonyms endemic and indigenous are close in meaning, endemic implies being peculiar to a region.

a disease endemic in Africa

When is it sensible to use native instead of indigenous?

The words native and indigenous can be used in similar contexts, but native implies birth or origin in a place or region and may suggest compatibility with it.

native tribal customs

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 indigenous The Aeneid has a special relevance for the United States, a country founded by immigrants who fled from earlier homelands, often believing that divine providence justified their claim on a land already inhabited by many distinct groups of indigenous peoples. Literary Hub, 3 Sep. 2025 The Turkish navy current operates the indigenous drone carrier TCG Anadolu as part of its fleet. Amira El-Fekki‎, MSNBC Newsweek, 29 Aug. 2025 Other monikers for August’s full moon from indigenous tribes are indicative of the end of summer. Gina Park, CNN Money, 7 Aug. 2025 The dialogue in Chief of War is mostly spoken in ʻOlelo Hawai‘i, the indigenous language of the islands. Christopher Rudolph, People.com, 4 Aug. 2025 See All Example Sentences for indigenous
Recent Examples of Synonyms for indigenous
Adjective
  • The Verdict Lizard Island is rich with history (aboriginal and colonial) and is such an environmental wonder that researchers from around the world come here to study the reef.
    Christopher Cameron, Robb Report, 30 May 2025
  • The American Kennel Club (AKC) explains that village dogs are also known as primitive, aboriginal, or landrace dogs.
    Alyce Collins, MSNBC Newsweek, 13 May 2025
Adjective
  • In other words, there’s a preference for growth companies with more inherent risk.
    Sarah Min, CNBC, 10 Sep. 2025
  • But what about the algorithm's inherent biases?
    Cornelia C. Walther, Forbes.com, 9 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • The first two matches this season provided contrasting evidence as to whether Wieffer, after a difficult debut campaign with Brighton, is getting to grips with a position that was alien to him in his native Netherlands.
    Andy Naylor, New York Times, 8 Sep. 2025
  • Kansas City native Carter Jensen recorded his first career hit in the fourth inning.
    Kansas City Star, Kansas City Star, 7 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • The rise of the bias cut was a silhouette on which Robbins wanted to focus, imbuing the fluid style with elements of luxury and glamour intrinsic to the aristocracy.
    Julia Teti, Footwear News, 12 Sep. 2025
  • Warren Buffett famously looks for intrinsic value rather than the current mood of the market.
    Jack Mullen, Forbes.com, 11 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • The Founders envisioned a Nation in which religious voices and views are integral to a vibrant public square and human flourishing and in which religious people and institutions are free to practice their faith without fear of discrimination or hostility from the Government.
    Hollie Silverman, MSNBC Newsweek, 8 Sep. 2025
  • Stablecoins also serve as an integral part of AI adoption and expansion that has not yet been fully developed or discussed, even in the midst of wider interest and the advancement of various AI models; agentic AI.
    Sean Stein Smith, Forbes.com, 7 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • These two energies seduced me to find womxn who, through their artistic work, were open to rebellious acts such as publishing art books on essential topics.
    Caterina De Biasio, Vogue, 11 Sep. 2025
  • The Panthers are paying their offensive line a fortune, and Hubbard is here for the long haul, focusing on those two variables is essential.
    DIAMOND VENCES, Charlotte Observer, 10 Sep. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Indigenous.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/indigenous. Accessed 14 Sep. 2025.

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