as in chronic
being such from birth or by nature
a congenital liar who couldn't speak the truth if his life depended on it
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Recent Examples of congenital
According to the National Library of Medicine, the rare congenital abnormality (also known as cardiac inversus, or dextrocardia with situs inversus) is a condition in which a person's heart and other vital internal organs are located on the opposite side of their body.
—
Sydney Bucksbaum, Entertainment Weekly, 30 Jan. 2026
While the details surrounding O'Hara's death are unavailable, the Canadian native previously revealed a rare congenital condition called dextrocardia with situs inversus.
—Anthony Robledo, USA Today, 30 Jan. 2026
The coroner found no anatomical cause of death—no brain bleed, no congenital defects, no reason that an otherwise healthy boy had suddenly died.
—Ben Taub, New Yorker, 26 Jan. 2026
Fifteen-year-old Furugh was born with microtia, a congenital condition that left her without an external right ear and ear canal, per FOX 5 New York.
—Erin Clack, PEOPLE, 17 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for congenital
Sydney Bucksbaum, Entertainment Weekly, 30 Jan. 2026
While the details surrounding O'Hara's death are unavailable, the Canadian native previously revealed a rare congenital condition called dextrocardia with situs inversus.
—Anthony Robledo, USA Today, 30 Jan. 2026
The coroner found no anatomical cause of death—no brain bleed, no congenital defects, no reason that an otherwise healthy boy had suddenly died.
—Ben Taub, New Yorker, 26 Jan. 2026
Fifteen-year-old Furugh was born with microtia, a congenital condition that left her without an external right ear and ear canal, per FOX 5 New York.
—Erin Clack, PEOPLE, 17 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for congenital
Recent Examples of Synonyms for congenital
Adjective
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But availability remains a persistent question for Porzingis, who has been limited to 17 games this season, due in part to the chronic autonomic nervous system illness POTS, or postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome.—
Peter Sblendorio,
New York Daily News,
5 Feb. 2026
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The freezing conditions can be dangerous for the homeless population, older adults, young children and those with chronic health conditions.—
JT Moodee Lockman,
CBS News,
5 Feb. 2026
Adjective
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Shaw has said he was reborn after the shooting and years later would become a born-again Christian.—
Jordan Blum,
Houston Chronicle,
9 June 2019
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In his mid-40s, Mr. Phillips had quietly become a born-again Christian after attending a Billy Graham rally.—
James R. Hagerty,
WSJ,
18 Jan. 2019
Adjective
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Over half were additives typically added to ultraprocessed foods; the rest were more natural options, such as the use of lemon juice as a preservative or beet juice for color.—
Sandee LaMotte,
CNN Money,
11 Feb. 2026
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Moving to Charlotte has opened the door to the incredible natural beauty the Carolinas are known for — the mountains, lakes, forests and everything in between.—
Shindy Chen
February 10,
Charlotte Observer,
10 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Congenital.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/congenital. Accessed 16 Feb. 2026.
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