as in genetic
genetically passed or capable of being passed from parent to offspring eye and hair color are hereditary

Synonyms & Similar Words

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

Some common synonyms of hereditary are congenital, 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 might inborn be a better fit than hereditary?

While the synonyms inborn and hereditary 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 can inbred be used instead of hereditary?

The synonyms inbred and hereditary 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

Where would innate be a reasonable alternative to hereditary?

While in some cases nearly identical to hereditary, 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 hereditary Amid the churn in Europe and globally, with trenchant nationalism on the rise, and a war raging in Ukraine just 1,200 miles from the palace, many might say that having a hereditary royal as their head of state offers some reassuring continuity, acting as a counterweight to political upheaval. Vivienne Walt, Time, 3 Oct. 2025 The hereditary condition has impacted the 78-year-old’s life and stopped her from performing small routine activities most people take for granted. Charlotte Observer, 2 Oct. 2025 Keep in mind, only 5% to 10% of breast cancers are hereditary. Erica Sloan, SELF, 1 Oct. 2025 It's not attributed to genetic syndromes or hereditary cancers, because these things take generations to increase in your genes. Claire Dodds, MSNBC Newsweek, 24 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for hereditary
Recent Examples of Synonyms for hereditary
Adjective
  • Previous studies relied on a process known as polymerase chain reaction (PCR), which amplifies small or degraded fragments of DNA, allowing scientists to analyze genetic material even from old or damaged organic matter.
    New Atlas, New Atlas, 24 Oct. 2025
  • After removing environmental contamination, the team sequenced and analyzed the genetic material.
    Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 24 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • The last thing an inherited home or property should bring about is unnecessary stress or financial strain.
    Ronny Maye, Essence, 1 Sep. 2025
  • Coaching again focused on thinking, teaching participants to engage in generative conversations about inherited truths, surfacing blind spots and nurturing innovation.
    Thomas Lim, Forbes.com, 15 Aug. 2025
Adjective
  • The idea is to insulate yourself against the market’s inherent volatility, and to have sufficient cash to cover your expenses in a downturn.
    Daniel de Visé, USA Today, 27 Oct. 2025
  • Music directors Jordan Summers and Nick Vincent did a classic song that passes too quickly on record a great service by extending it by a few choruses, giving Valentine a chance to wring the emotion out of it that was only inherent in Zevon’s necessarily simpler delivery.
    Chris Willman, Variety, 27 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • Citizenship strategy has moved from a fringe consideration to standard practice among high-net-worth families, with parents and grandparents increasingly viewing passports as a form of inheritable wealth.
    Alex Ohnona, Fortune, 22 Oct. 2025
  • These shares are also inheritable, allowing them to be passed on to heirs.
    Daniela Sanjinés, The Conversation, 22 July 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Hereditary.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/hereditary. Accessed 29 Oct. 2025.

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