Synonyms of indigenous

indigenous

adjective

in-ˈdi-jə-nəs 

1

as in aboriginal

belonging to a particular place by birth or origin

the culture of the indigenous people of that country

Synonyms & Similar Words

• aboriginal
• native
• local
• endemic
• autochthonous
• domestic
• regional
• born
• original

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• foreign
• introduced
• nonindigenous
• exotic
• alien
• nonnative
• strange
• immigrant
• transplanted
• imported
• expatriate

2

as in inherent

being a part of the innermost nature of a person or thing

the drive to create that is indigenous to humanity

Synonyms & Similar Words

• inherent
• intrinsic
• integral
• essential
• native
• constitutional
• natural
• hereditary
• innate
• inbred
• constitutive
• ingrained
• inner
• inherited
• inborn
• immanent
• distinctive
• elemental
• fundamental
• basic
• engrained
• congenital
• internal
• hardwired
• characteristic
• ingrain
• built-in
• in one's blood
• peculiar
• interior
• deep-rooted
• typical
• normal
• habitual
• regular
• inveterate
• inmost

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• foreign
• alien
• extrinsic
• extraneous
• adventitious
• incidental
• accidental
• surface
• coincidental
• external
• acquired
• superficial
• exterior
• adscititious

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

Recent Examples of indigenous

Taiwan—a key security partner of the United States—has begun sea trials of its first indigenous submarine following its unveiling nearly two years ago. —Ryan Chan, MSNBC Newsweek, 18 June 2025

The nine-hour event showcases indigenous culture with bird dancing, bird singing, a ceremonial flag raising and a blessing led by Jesse Pinto. —San Diego Union-Tribune, 18 June 2025

In our nation, like others dominated by Europeans who decimated indigenous peoples, farmers always had the possibility of owning their own land. —Edward Lotterman, Twin Cities, 15 June 2025

European settlers generally took over and developed the most fertile land, eventually erasing signs of past indigenous practices with their own plowing and development. —Nell Greenfieldboyce, NPR, 6 June 2025

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