CONGENITAL Synonyms: 35 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: How is the word 'congenital' different from other adjectives like it?

Some common synonyms of congenital are hereditary , inborn , inbred , and innate . While all these words mean "not acquired after birth," 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 can 'inborn' be used instead of 'congenital'?

While the synonyms inborn and congenital are close in meaning, 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 could 'inbred' be used to replace 'congenital'?

Although the words inbred and congenital have much in common, 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

Q: When is 'innate' a more appropriate choice than 'congenital'?

The words innate and congenital can be used in similar contexts, but innate applies to qualities or characteristics that are part of one's inner essential nature. // an innate sense of fair play

congenital

adjective

kən-ˈje-nə-tᵊl

Definition of congenital next

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

Synonyms & Similar Words

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

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

While the synonyms inborn and congenital are close in meaning, 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 could inbred be used to replace congenital?

Although the words inbred and congenital have much in common, 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

When is innate a more appropriate choice than congenital?

The words innate and congenital can be used in similar contexts, but innate applies to qualities or characteristics that are part of one's inner essential nature.

an innate sense of fair play

Examples 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 congenital The babies of people with chickenpox during pregnancy may develop congenital varicella, a syndrome that causes abnormal development of the brain, eyes, and skin.1 Shingles Varicella-zoster virus can remain dormant in your body for years after initial infection. —

Carrie Madormo, Rn, Health, 3 Nov. 2024 Also, about 80% of those additional infant deaths could be attributed to congenital abnormalities. —

Vanessa Etienne, People.com, 22 Oct. 2024 In Season Two, Brooklynn is authentically voiced by actress, music artist and model Kiersten Kelly who was born with a congenital limb difference with her right arm missing below the elbow. —

Gus Alexiou, Forbes, 17 Oct. 2024 Care for congenital heart defects has advanced over the years, and the future looks even brighter. —

Mark Gurarie, Verywell Health, 18 Sep. 2024 See all Example Sentences for congenital

Recent Examples of Synonyms for congenital

Adjective

The big picture: Student homelessness, which tracks with worsening federal homelessness trends, is nationally linked to higher rates of chronic absenteeism and drop outs.

April Rubin, Axios, 18 Nov. 2024
With that, my team and I shifted focus from topics such as how chronic stress influences brains to how positive events – and anticipation for these events – shape neural functions.

Kelly Lambert, Discover Magazine, 14 Nov. 2024