ingrained 1 of 2

variants also engrained
Definition of ingrainednext

ingrained

2 of 2

verb

variants also engrained
past tense of ingrain

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 ingrained
Adjective
Leaving the door closed for around another five minutes allows the steam to circulate and loosen ingrained grime on the interior surfaces of your microwave. Gemma Johnstone, The Spruce, 10 Jan. 2026 The dysfunction of the franchise from ownership down is so ingrained that Saleh’s 20-36 record from 2021 and into 2024 isn’t likely to be held against him. Jerry McDonald, Mercury News, 9 Jan. 2026
Verb
Though nationally, vehicle ownership remains high and deeply ingrained in American life, in some major metropolitan areas, ownership rates have become stagnant or even declined. Lyssanoel Frater, IndyStar, 17 Feb. 2026 But the main difference to me with Lucy and Stephen is that Stephen’s toxicity is ingrained in him. Emily Longeretta, Variety, 17 Feb. 2026 See All Example Sentences for ingrained
Recent Examples of Synonyms for ingrained
Adjective
  • There’s an inherent troublemaking nature to him that can’t be repressed by the big Disney musical.
    Tim Grierson, Vulture, 7 Mar. 2026
  • On top of this, the inherent illiquidity of real estate can complicate everything from governance to generational transitions.
    Belinda G. Schwartz, Fortune, 7 Mar. 2026
Verb
  • For months, an uncanny sense of calm suffused the forest.
    Robert Moor, New Yorker, 2 Mar. 2026
  • The whole show is suffused in bright, warm sunlight.
    John Hopewell, Variety, 25 Feb. 2026
Verb
  • From orbit, the formations look like giant spiderwebs etched across the terrain.
    Ryan Brennan, Charlotte Observer, 4 Mar. 2026
  • Because of that, Lewis’s place on the team is etched in stone.
    Devin Bradshaw, Mercury News, 3 Mar. 2026
Verb
  • According to former federal officials, cartels’ avoidance of deliberately targeting Americans is rooted less in ideology and more in risk management.
    Armando Regil Velasco, FOXNews.com, 8 Mar. 2026
  • Showrunner Bruce Miller says the series is rooted firmly in the television universe fans already know — not a straight adaptation of Margaret Atwood’s novel.
    Hanna Wickes, Charlotte Observer, 6 Mar. 2026
Adjective
  • Happiness means pursuing intrinsic rather than extrinsic goals One of the biggest lies that Old Happy tells us, Harrison explains, is that the pursuit of extrinsic goals and external approval — popularity, conformity, financial success, aesthetic beauty — is the key to happiness.
    Nina Zipkin, CNBC, 2 Mar. 2026
  • Keep your day playful by adjusting your schedule while staying loyal to your intrinsic voice.
    Tarot.com, Hartford Courant, 24 Feb. 2026
Verb
  • Patriotism is a value that an IP-dependent tech company fighting Chinese rivals might well be happy to see inculcated in its employees.
    Walter Russell Mead, The Atlantic, 24 Jan. 2026
  • That’s true for Tamma in a different way – it’s inculcated in Tamma that no one will help her but that’s not true.
    Stuart Miller, Oc Register, 20 Jan. 2026
Verb
  • Once at the hospital, Cermak reportedly uttered the line that is engraved on his tomb.
    Kori Rumore, Chicago Tribune, 15 Feb. 2026
  • Released at the beginning of the month, the two limited editions both feature 41 mm cases crafted in black zirconium oxide ceramic, matching black dials, pops of blue in the same hue as the Mercedes driver’s helmet, and titanium casebacks engraved with his starting number (63).
    Rachel Cormack, Robb Report, 14 Feb. 2026
Verb
  • Ellis made efforts to bring Jack Wilshere back into the academy, wanting that Arsenal connection embedded into the coaching leadership and conscious of the need to reintroduce a winning culture to the academy.
    James McNicholas, New York Times, 5 Mar. 2026
  • The loneliness, disconnection and yearning embedded in his persona struck a chord with fans, many of whom, like Junior himself, were immigrants in the United States who felt the same.
    Isabela Raygoza, Billboard, 5 Mar. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Ingrained.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/ingrained. Accessed 11 Mar. 2026.

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