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
  • Lau Family-style dining is an inherent part of Asian culture and one of the best ways to partake in a joyous gathering is over lau.
    Christina Liao, Vogue, 27 Dec. 2024
  • With attackers increasing the scale and sophistication of their operations, there is an inherent need for more collaboration among security vendors to not only streamline and simplify security efforts but also to deliver more comprehensive risk protection for customers.
    Michael Nicosia, Forbes, 26 Dec. 2024
Adjective
  • In addition to challenging coursework, colleges value intellectual vitality—an intrinsic passion for learning that manifests through independent projects, academic competitions, and research.
    Dr. Aviva Legatt, Forbes, 20 Dec. 2024
  • Crypto skeptics say that, unlike most other commodities, bitcoin has no intrinsic use and is not crucial to the functioning of the U.S. economy.
    Gertrude Chavez-Dreyfuss and Lisa Pauline Mattackal, USA TODAY, 17 Dec. 2024
Adjective
  • As malls are so integral to society in the Middle East, countries had to introduce specific strict measures to prevent the spread of Covid-19.
    Caroline Reid, Forbes, 21 Dec. 2024
  • Indeed, this group of 17 chemically similar metals is integral to modern technologies, ranging from electric vehicles to missile-guidance systems.
    Jeffrey Weng, National Review, 20 Dec. 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
  • The opportunity lies not just in transforming industries but in shaping a more dynamic, creative, and inclusive world where AI civilizations become essential partners in progress.
    Jason Snyder, Forbes, 29 Dec. 2024
  • Disable features that aren’t essential, such as sharing data with third-party apps or advertisers.
    Kurt Knutsson, CyberGuy Report, Fox News, 29 Dec. 2024

Thesaurus Entries Near inbred

Cite this Entry

“Inbred.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/inbred. Accessed 4 Jan. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on inbred

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!