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 King of the Hill’s belief in the innate power of moral character remains one of its most appealing traits—but the revival glosses reality in order to preserve its gentle equilibrium. Adrienne Matei, The Atlantic, 13 Aug. 2025 Regardless of age, the problem starts with the human body’s innate physiology. Bryant Stamford, The Courier-Journal, 7 Aug. 2025 Soon, the America’s Got Talent stage descended into pure chaos, with Cowell and Mandel showcasing their innate mischievousness before the latter turned his attention toward his fellow judges. Tyler Jenke, Billboard, 6 Aug. 2025 These dogs have some innate positive traits (primarily that calmness and low reactivity), but the negative effects of small size and lack of training can negate them. Laura Baisas Aug 6, Popular Science, 6 Aug. 2025 See All Example Sentences for innate
Recent Examples of Synonyms for innate
Adjective
  • This connection between the fruit and inherent holiness adds new meaning to the Song of Songs, where the love between two people can unknowingly be a divine revelation.
    Demir Alp, JSTOR Daily, 29 Aug. 2025
  • However, the reality is that the inherent inflexibility of immutability is essential to ensuring business resiliency and provides the invaluable peace of mind that comes with knowing data will always be there, ready to be recovered, no matter what.
    David Bennett, Forbes.com, 29 Aug. 2025
Adjective
  • The theory is that these things aren’t an intrinsic part of the business’s operations.
    John Dorfman, Forbes.com, 25 Aug. 2025
  • Keynes’s prediction failed to come to pass, thanks to consumers’ insatiable appetite for stuff, the intrinsic satisfaction of work, and the uneven distributional consequences of technological progress.
    Foreign Affairs, Foreign Affairs, 19 Aug. 2025
Adjective
  • Fashion and personal style are an integral part of the tennis world.
    Tiana Randall, Forbes.com, 25 Aug. 2025
  • He’s also been integral to investment, growth and preparing the business to be split into two viable companies.
    Lillian Rizzo,Alex Sherman, CNBC, 22 Aug. 2025
Adjective
  • Additionally, even without children, estate planning is essential.
    Jessi Chad, Kansas City Star, 20 Aug. 2025
  • Drive slow: This one is a no-brainer, but essential for keeping everyone safe.
    Shelby Slade, AZCentral.com, 20 Aug. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Innate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/innate. Accessed 3 Sep. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on innate

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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