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 Its experience with the Patriot has also convinced it of the necessity of investing in developing indigenous air defenses to deal with missile threats. Paul Iddon, Forbes.com, 1 May 2025 There's a major split between indigenous populations in the northern parts of North America (Athabaskan populations), and everyone south of that, including all of Central and South America, as well as the ancient Clovis, New Mexico, population. John Timmer, ArsTechnica, 30 Apr. 2025 Meanwhile, artifacts preserved along the Bad Pass Trail mark a route once used by indigenous communities over thousands of years. Thomas G. Moukawsher, MSNBC Newsweek, 17 Apr. 2025 Exodus’s symbolic power extends significantly to indigenous struggles as well. Ed Gaskin, Boston Herald, 12 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for indigenous
Recent Examples of Synonyms for indigenous
Adjective
  • The evolutionary anthropologist Joseph Henrich has summoned the example of the aboriginal Tasmanians, who were cut off from mainland Australia about ten thousand years ago.
    Gideon Lewis-Kraus, The New Yorker, 24 Feb. 2025
  • Before the colonization of Australia, many aboriginal people buried dingoes with rites indistinguishable from those used for humans.
    Rafil Kroll-Zaidi, Harper's Magazine, 2 Jan. 2024
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
  • In 1998, Rodriguez, back in his native San Marcos, shot and killed 28-year-old Israel Borrego.
    Anna Kaufman, USA Today, 15 May 2025
  • And her team has made sure her voice can travel to as many corners of the planet as possible, especially on her native continent.
    Heran Mamo, Billboard, 14 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
  • Once Venus enters Taurus and your friendship zone on June 6, your community becomes an integral part of your comfort.
    Valerie Mesa, People.com, 20 May 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

“Indigenous.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/indigenous. Accessed 24 May. 2025.

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