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 With a deep love for Greco-Roman mythology and an innate knack for storytelling, Luke Edward Hall’s imaginative aesthetic has amassed a rapt fan base. Nicole Kliest, Vogue, 3 June 2025 This connection can empower individuals to tap into their innate feminine energy in a way that supports both personal growth and collective healing. Matt Rozo, Mercury News, 1 June 2025 Lamar has a way of drawing in the listener with an innate ability to map context to delivery; SZA does the same, only in a different musical space. Steven J. Horowitz, Variety, 25 May 2025 Interestingly, even those rated lower on attractiveness gained similar influence by improving their posture, proving that executive presence isn't just for those rated high in innate attractiveness. Julian Hayes Ii, Forbes.com, 22 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for innate
Recent Examples of Synonyms for innate
Adjective
  • In theory, that should smooth some of the rough edges inherent to a first-time starting quarterback.
    Pete Sampson, New York Times, 18 June 2025
  • And this fact is unrelated to another fact: Israel unequivocally has an inherent right to exist.
    DP Opinion, Denver Post, 17 June 2025
Adjective
  • This intrinsic volatility is a typical trait of new, avant-garde technologies.
    Trefis Team, Forbes.com, 11 June 2025
  • Is your motivation for doing well extrinsic or intrinsic?
    DP Opinion, Denver Post, 11 June 2025
Adjective
  • Becoming Prepared For Tomorrow AI is no longer a frontier test technology but is becoming an integral part of engineering excellence.
    Srinivasa Rao Bittla, Forbes.com, 13 June 2025
  • At the same time, news is still an integral part of most people’s entertainment diet.
    Eric Vilas-Boas, Vulture, 12 June 2025
Adjective
  • So, keeping a stock of band aids in your carry-on is essential.
    Merrell Readman, Travel + Leisure, 21 June 2025
  • The 19-year-old collected a clean sweep of the club’s player of the season awards, becoming the first teenager since Glenn Hoddle to do so, and is viewed as an essential part of the present and future.
    Elias Burke, New York Times, 21 June 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Innate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/innate. Accessed 26 Jun. 2025.

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