Synonym Chooser

How is the word innate different from other adjectives like it?

Some common synonyms of innate are congenital, hereditary, inborn, and inbred. While all these words mean "not acquired after birth," innate applies to qualities or characteristics that are part of one's inner essential nature.

an innate sense of fair play

How are the words congenital and hereditary related as synonyms of innate?

Both congenital and hereditary refer to what is acquired before or at birth, the former to things acquired during fetal development and the latter to things transmitted from one's ancestors.

a congenital heart murmur
eye color is hereditary

When would inborn be a good substitute for innate?

The meanings of inborn and innate largely overlap; however, inborn suggests a quality or tendency either actually present at birth or so marked and deep-seated as to seem so.

her inborn love of nature

When might inbred be a better fit than innate?

The synonyms inbred and innate are sometimes interchangeable, but inbred suggests something either acquired from parents by heredity or so deeply rooted and ingrained as to seem acquired in that way.

inbred political loyalties

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 innate The innate immune system acts as the body’s first line of defense, responding quickly and non-specifically to invaders using cells that release inflammatory signals. New Atlas, 9 Oct. 2025 For Candy, getting to play the unsophisticated traveling salesman, a big man like himself, gave him an opportunity to showcase both his flair for broad comedy and, for the first time onscreen, his innate vulnerability. Lizz Schumer, PEOPLE, 7 Oct. 2025 Futures Without Guns – LA Premiere Futures Without Guns invites the viewer to embark on a journey through three diverse artistic perspectives and tap into their innate creativity to envision a future where the threat of gun violence is a distant memory. Zac Ntim, Deadline, 6 Oct. 2025 Despite an innate gift for melodic beauty and a bedraggled voice that would rouse itself to startling intensity, he was often derailed by substance abuse issues and a deluge of releases that were clearly in need of an editor or A&R executive to prune. David Browne, Rolling Stone, 3 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for innate
Recent Examples of Synonyms for innate
Adjective
  • For the most part, though, his attention to detail and his feeling for structure yielded readings of inherent, inarguable rightness.
    Alex Ross, New Yorker, 21 Oct. 2025
  • In fact, it's all done rather haphazardly, but with inherent purpose, which is exactly how a true Southern cook runs a kitchen.
    Kaitlyn Yarborough, Southern Living, 20 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • Market cycles have always been intrinsic to investing.
    Preston Fore, Fortune, 22 Oct. 2025
  • There’s an intrinsic magic that happens on board.
    Chrissie McClatchie, Robb Report, 20 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • Ambition, perseverance and integrity are integral to your journey.
    Valerie Mesa, PEOPLE, 27 Oct. 2025
  • This makes sense and is integral to our story.
    Abbey White, HollywoodReporter, 27 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • For me, it’s been really essential to read a lot of great information, and to come at the world filled with knowledge and all these ideas of, in my view, much smarter and braver people than myself.
    Fiction Non Fiction, Literary Hub, 23 Oct. 2025
  • But fostering creativity, curiosity, and empathy are also essential for organizations to remain competitive and resilient.
    Fortune Editors, Fortune, 22 Oct. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Innate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/innate. Accessed 28 Oct. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on innate

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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