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 question is no longer whether China intends to move but if Taiwan, armed with Western tech, indigenous innovation, and a new drone doctrine, can make the cost too high for Beijing to pay. Kapil Kajal, Interesting Engineering, 8 Oct. 2025 Many wisdoms intrinsic to permaculture long predate the term—it cannot be understated how much stems from indigenous knowledge and was passed down from generations before, from these ancestral stewards who listened to, and trusted, the land. Catherine Habgood september 29, Literary Hub, 29 Sep. 2025 In the late 19th century, indigenous Americans put up a final push against being forced into reservations. Cybele Mayes-Osterman, USA Today, 26 Sep. 2025 In addition to the slate of bands performing with the beach as the backdrop, the festival’s Storytellers program spotlights speakers who present about a wave of topics such as ocean activism, environmental justice, art, big-wave surfing and indigenous history. Laylan Connelly, Oc Register, 26 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for indigenous
Recent Examples of Synonyms for indigenous
Adjective
  • While some people express concerns, the AKC noted that many cultures throughout history have considered co-sleeping with animals as beneficial, such as aboriginal Australians who slept beside their dogs for warmth and protection.
    Maria Morava, MSNBC Newsweek, 25 Sep. 2025
  • Heyerdahl built this replica of the aboriginal balsa raft to test his theories that the ancient Peruvians reached Polynesia with this transport.
    Boston Herald editorial staff, Boston Herald, 18 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • Yet once someone had suggested the inherent instability in a relationship between writers, there seemed to be no way to defuse the assessment.
    Catherine Lacey, New Yorker, 5 Oct. 2025
  • In the 13-episode epic, Our Blues’ Kim Woo-bin stars as Iblis, a Satanic genie who is utterly convinced of humanity’s inherent greed.
    Kayti Burt, Time, 3 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • Boston native Mendoza directs and executive produces the show alongside Aaron Brown and David Martin.
    Stewart Clarke, Deadline, 12 Oct. 2025
  • The couple tied the knot in January 1954 in DiMaggio's native San Francisco and divorced nine months later in October.
    Janine Henni, PEOPLE, 11 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • As of this Monday production has resumed, but the reverberations of the event reflects beer’s intrinsic tie to national identity (like Guinness to the Irish).
    Sam Stone, Bon Appetit Magazine, 10 Oct. 2025
  • Look for notes of maple, spice, and burnt orange peel, as the bourbon’s intrinsic character is augmented by this artful secondary maturation.
    Jonah Flicker, Robb Report, 9 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • Importantly, the company’s technology, which includes materials used for the actual polishing and etching (lithography) of chips, as well as advanced packaging and thermal solutions, is integral for the development of leading-edge chips.
    Jeff Marks, CNBC, 13 Oct. 2025
  • For the young actors who played the von Trapp children, making the film was a truly integral core memory of their youth.
    Scott Huver, PEOPLE, 11 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • Since they’re designed to last for generations, choosing the right pan is essential when the time comes.
    Caley Sturgill, Southern Living, 9 Oct. 2025
  • Workers deemed non-essential are often furloughed, affecting the National Parks Service, NASA, and the Environmental Protection Agency, among others.
    Miranda Jeyaretnam, Time, 8 Oct. 2025

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Cite this Entry

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

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