Synonym Chooser

How is the word inborn different from other adjectives like it?

Some common synonyms of inborn are congenital, hereditary, inbred, and innate. While all these words mean "not acquired after birth," 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

How do congenital and hereditary relate to one another, in the sense of inborn?

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 can inbred be used instead of inborn?

The words inbred and inborn are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, 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

In what contexts can innate take the place of inborn?

The synonyms innate and inborn are sometimes interchangeable, but innate applies to qualities or characteristics that are part of one's inner essential nature.

an innate sense of fair play

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 inborn The results from our latest study suggest that even children with inborn characteristics of a difficult temperament can benefit from the advantages that come from multiple secure attachments. Discover Magazine, 20 Sep. 2024 As a result, the oldest kid may very well develop a sense of responsibility and leadership — qualities fostered through the environment rather than inborn traits. Allie Volpe, Vox, 10 June 2024 Resurgence is a real sense in Detroit, a city where resilience is inborn and tougher tests have been endured. Brian McCollum, Detroit Free Press, 7 June 2024 Not all animals’ responses to anthropogenic change are inborn, however. Lee Alan Dugatkin, Scientific American, 14 May 2024 See All Example Sentences for inborn
Recent Examples of Synonyms for inborn
Adjective
  • This setup has worked well for me because of the inherent trust within our relationships.
    Dustin Lemick, Forbes, 4 Mar. 2025
  • At a basic level, the odd number creates an inherent imbalance, Barbie Atkinson, LPC, founder of Catalyst Counseling in Houston, tells SELF.
    Jenna Ryu, SELF, 3 Mar. 2025
Adjective
  • Investigators then used investigative genetic genealogy, a forensic field combining DNA analysis with genealogical research, to connect that sample to Kohberger’s family, according to prosecutors.
    Lauren del Valle, CNN, 7 Mar. 2025
  • Those recommendations include protocols for embryo transfers and genetic testing.
    Doc Louallen, ABC News, 7 Mar. 2025
Adjective
  • But the label’s intrinsic modernity also seems to happily coexist with its deep, winding roots.
    Leah Dolan, CNN, 22 Feb. 2025
  • This illustrates the intrinsic, expensive difficulty of intercepting even dummy intercontinental ballistic missiles (ICBMs).
    Dan Vergano, Scientific American, 19 Feb. 2025
Adjective
  • Precautions: Because high-dose vitamin C may disrupt iron absorption, people with hereditary hemochromatosis should avoid it.
    Brittany Lubeck, MS, RDN, Verywell Health, 4 Mar. 2025
  • The newborn screening program for early identification of hereditary diseases, one of the most successful public health programs in United States, was introduced more than 60 years ago.
    Dr. Bilal Hameed, Hartford Courant, 27 Feb. 2025
Adjective
  • The station is an integral part of naval operations overseas, housing approximately 7,000 troops and their families.
    Washington Examiner Staff, Washington Examiner - Political News and Conservative Analysis About Congress, the President, and the Federal Government, 26 Feb. 2025
  • In responding to the anti-DEI proposal, Apple defended its diversity program as an integral part of its corporate culture, crediting the policies in part for making the technology giant the most valuable company in the world.
    Kate Gibson, CBS News, 25 Feb. 2025
Adjective
  • Vogue Daily newsletter Get essential fashion, style, and tips, in your inbox.
    Elise Taylor, Vogue, 5 Mar. 2025
  • The knit is blended with spandex for extra stretch and give — which is essential when traveling — and each piece is lightweight enough that you’ll be left with ample space in your suitcase once they’re packed away.
    Merrell Readman, Travel + Leisure, 5 Mar. 2025
Adjective
  • Our vision is that the future of design will have a long lasting inheritable quality.
    Sydney Gore, Architectural Digest, 6 Feb. 2025
  • In Germany, courts ruled that Facebook had to give a deceased person’s family access to their account, saying that digital accounts should be treated as inheritable property, like a bank account or house.
    Patrick van Esch, The Conversation, 8 Jan. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Inborn.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/inborn. Accessed 12 Mar. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on inborn

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