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 In spite of all the blood on his hands, there was an innate magnetism to the character, with his floppy hair and shy smiles. Kelly Lawler, USA Today, 26 Apr. 2025 For some, the drive to protect people and the planet is innate. Andi Cross, Forbes.com, 23 Apr. 2025 As smooth-talking thief and heist ringleader Danny Ocean, George Clooney exuded an effortless cool and innate likability that translated across all three Ocean's films. Randall Colburn, EW.com, 3 May 2025 His choices are especially hard, analysts say, because Mr. Trump’s desire for a quick peace is in tension with his innate mistrust of Mr. Zelensky and his admiration for Mr. Putin. Michael Crowley, New York Times, 2 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for innate
Recent Examples of Synonyms for innate
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
  • 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
  • For the milestone celebration, Queen Camilla not only favored one of her longtime favorite designers, but also a dress she’s previously worn and maintained as an integral part of her royal wardrobe.
    Julia Teti, Footwear News, 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

“Innate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/innate. Accessed 27 May. 2025.

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