Synonym Chooser

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

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

How are the words congenital and hereditary related as synonyms of inbred?

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 could inborn be used to replace inbred?

While the synonyms inborn and inbred 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 might innate be a better fit than inbred?

The words innate and inbred are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, 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 inbred Some populations are much more inbred than others, because of cultural practices. Razib Khan, Discover Magazine, 18 July 2013 But her European ancestry is a lot less informative here, and a lot of the variance in the plot is taken up by the inbred and distinctive Kalash. Razib Khan, Discover Magazine, 24 Apr. 2012 He or she would not even be nominated in today’s political web of self-serving, inbred, power-hungry political party leaders. San Diego Union-Tribune, 2 Dec. 2022 It’s middle to upper-middle class, but with pockets of inbred poverty. Christopher Borrelli, Chicago Tribune, 13 Oct. 2022 See all Example Sentences for inbred 
Recent Examples of Synonyms for inbred
Adjective
  • Movement of these tokens — which hold no inherent value — prevents ledgering mix-ups like those seen in Synapse, says CEO Hugo Finkelstein.
    Lucinda Shen, Axios, 20 Nov. 2024
  • By categorizing problems based on their inherent computational difficulty, this theory helps identify scenarios where AI can deliver optimal solutions.
    Suvarna Krishnan, Forbes, 20 Nov. 2024
Adjective
  • Colorado wildlife experts are at odds over whether a ballot measure to ban the hunting of certain wildcats would help or hurt the formidable felines that have long been intrinsic to Rocky Mountain ecosystems.
    Sharon Udasin, The Hill, 1 Nov. 2024
  • Kudla said activity and community are intrinsic to the brand’s success.
    Samantha Conti, WWD, 31 Oct. 2024
Adjective
  • Chytridiomycosis kills because skin is an integral part of a frog’s cardiovascular system.
    Martin J. Kernan, Discover Magazine, 16 Nov. 2024
  • The vice president is an integral part of conversation in the village and her image appears on billboards and banners throughout the community.
    Thomas G. Moukawsher, Newsweek, 5 Nov. 2024
Adjective
  • The Eugenic Protection Law, in place from 1948 to 1996, allowed authorities to forcibly sterilize people with disabilities, including those with mental disorders, hereditary diseases or physical deformities and leprosy.
    Jessie Yeung, CNN, 17 July 2024
  • There is no indication that lice are hereditary or that people with certain genetic makeups are more likely to get lice than others.
    Wendy Wisner, Health, 3 Nov. 2024
Adjective
  • Access to water is essential to sustaining biodiversity so how it is used has a lasting impact.
    Earl Foster, Austin American-Statesman, 22 Nov. 2024
  • That balance will be different for every organization, but is essential for all.
    Rajat Bhargava, Forbes, 21 Nov. 2024

Thesaurus Entries Near inbred

Cite this Entry

“Inbred.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/inbred. Accessed 30 Nov. 2024.

More from Merriam-Webster on inbred

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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