INNATE Synonyms: 51 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

innate

adjective

i-ˈnāt

Definition of innate next

as in inherent

being a part of the innermost nature of a person or thing an innate athletic ability that allowed him to excel at just about any sport he tried his hand at

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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 The Water sign is known for its complexity, magnetism and innate sense of authority, which certainly lends to some of Oliver's storylines on the show. —

Valerie Mesa, PEOPLE, 3 Feb. 2026 Because of that innate grasp on her craft, unwillingness to settle into nostalgia and uncanny ability to invent herself anew with each project, her characters would impact multiple generations of film, television and comedy fans. —

Lindsey Bahr, Fortune, 31 Jan. 2026 Still, despite the innate desire to find out what happens, even more curious is a subtle shift in expectations. —

Ben Travers, IndieWire, 30 Jan. 2026 Negotiation is a skill, not an innate talent. —

Kwame Christian Esq, Forbes.com, 29 Jan. 2026 See All Example Sentences for innate

Recent Examples of Synonyms for innate

Adjective

The Taos is peppy enough to move along on the open road, considering the inherent limitations of the segment.

— James Raia, Mercury News, 8 Feb. 2026
Since 1987, governments around the world have separated the provision and regulation of air traffic control to eliminate the inherent conflict of interest in self-regulation.

— Marc Scribner, Oc Register, 8 Feb. 2026

Definition of inherent

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innards

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innately

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“Innate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/innate. Accessed 15 Feb. 2026.

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Last Updated: 14 Feb 2026 - Updated example sentences

Synonyms of innate

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