as in indigenous
belonging to a particular place by birth or origin the fish is not an endemic species of the lake, and it is rapidly devouring the native trout population

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How is the word endemic distinct from other similar adjectives?

Some common synonyms of endemic are aboriginal, indigenous, and native. While all these words mean "belonging to a locality," endemic implies being peculiar to a region.

a disease endemic in Africa

When might aboriginal be a better fit than endemic?

The words aboriginal and endemic are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, aboriginal implies having no known others preceding in occupancy of a particular region.

the aboriginal peoples of Australia

When would indigenous be a good substitute for endemic?

While in some cases nearly identical to endemic, indigenous applies to that which is not only native but which, as far as can be determined, has never been introduced or brought from elsewhere.

indigenous plants

When is it sensible to use native instead of endemic?

In some situations, the words native and endemic are roughly equivalent. However, native implies birth or origin in a place or region and may suggest compatibility with it.

native tribal customs

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 endemic In 2016, the organization released breakthrough research that alleged how leading companies were ignoring the environmental and human exploitation endemic in the extraction of the 30 metals and minerals necessary for EVs. Carlton Reid, WIRED, 22 Nov. 2024 This insect is endemic to South America and several Caribbean countries. Geraldine Castro, WIRED, 4 Dec. 2024 Longing for a calmer life seems endemic in today’s world. Peter Rubin, Longreads, 13 Nov. 2024 Empathy seems endemic only to the competitors at this stage in the game. Mark Peikert, IndieWire, 9 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for endemic 

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Cite this Entry

“Endemic.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/endemic. Accessed 25 Dec. 2024.

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