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 As a result, the movie advances with an innate sense of gravity, of fracturing menace looming beneath the order and charm of modern lives. Richard Brody, New Yorker, 28 Apr. 2025 Diminished Immune Function Can Be Improved By Quitting Alcohol Alcohol weakens both the innate and adaptive immune systems. Jesse Pines, Forbes.com, 21 Apr. 2025 Plus, there’s an innate sense of lightness that comes from a bubble hemline—there’s a reason why it’s called a bubble, after all. Shelby Wax, Vogue, 16 Apr. 2025 Nearly three years later, the line bubbled into McCartney’s consciousness, appealing to his innate sense of optimism. Jordan Runtagh, People.com, 8 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for innate
Recent Examples of Synonyms for innate
Adjective
  • This description captures both the ambition and the inherent tension in this evolution.
    Josipa Majic Predin, Forbes.com, 15 May 2025
  • 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
Adjective
  • There is an intrinsic and undervalued connection between physical and financial health, and Medicaid is the largest federal program that recognizes that connection.
    Dr. Michelle Morse, New York Daily News, 2 May 2025
  • That is a shift in mindset from previous incumbents and to win the FA Cup would be vindication for the Austrian’s methods — for his positive approach and that relentless desire to utilise ‘intrinsic motivation’.
    Sam Lee, New York Times, 26 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • In fact, according to Dr. Culbreath, jeans are integral to this style of professional dress.
    Kelsey Stiegman, Glamour, 7 May 2025
  • As technology continues to define business opportunities, there are basic needs that are integral to every development.
    Megan Poinski, Forbes.com, 5 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 19 May. 2025.

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