INBORN Synonyms: 56 Similar and Opposite Words

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

Some common synonyms of inborn are congenital , hereditary , inbred , and innate . While all these words mean "not acquired after birth," 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: How do 'congenital' and 'hereditary' relate to one another, in the sense of 'inborn'?

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 can 'inbred' be used instead of 'inborn'?

The words inbred and inborn are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, 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: In what contexts can 'innate' take the place of 'inborn'?

The synonyms innate and inborn are sometimes interchangeable, but innate applies to qualities or characteristics that are part of one's inner essential nature. // an innate sense of fair play

inborn

adjective

ˈin-ˈbȯrn

Definition of inborn next

as in inherent

being a part of the innermost nature of a person or thing an inborn talent for dancing

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in genetic

genetically passed or capable of being passed from parent to offspring certain instincts are inborn in mice

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

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

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

How do congenital and hereditary relate to one another, in the sense of inborn?

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 can inbred be used instead of inborn?

The words inbred and inborn are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, 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

In what contexts can innate take the place of inborn?

The synonyms innate and inborn are sometimes interchangeable, but 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 inborn Not all animals’ responses to anthropogenic change are inborn, however. —

Lee Alan Dugatkin, Scientific American, 14 May 2024 Such sweeping ambition is intrinsic, an expression of America’s inborn missionary zeal. —

Jon Sebastian Shifrin, Baltimore Sun, 26 Apr. 2024 According to the research, adults that engaged in an extensive training regime exhibited behavioral and physiological markers for grapheme-color synesthesia, challenging the notion that synesthesia is exclusively an inborn trait. —

Mark Travers, Forbes, 30 Nov. 2023 Still an inexperienced group player, André does show an inborn knack for instrumental conversation and picks his spots well, running short phrases while toying with syllabic inflections and extending runs without obstructing other players. —

Jonathan Rowe, SPIN, 7 Dec. 2023 See all Example Sentences for inborn

Recent Examples of Synonyms for inborn

Adjective

That kind of inherent understanding of a community in a specific geographical area, and the intricacies of their struggles, can’t be researched, only witnessed firsthand.

— Carlos Aguilar, Variety, 27 Jan. 2025
To operate a dangerous vehicle is not an inherent right but a privilege, and one that can be taken away for those who don’t exercise it responsibly.

— New York Daily News Editorial Board, New York Daily News, 25 Jan. 2025