INDIGENOUS Synonyms: 68 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: How is the word 'indigenous' distinct from other similar adjectives?

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

Q: In what contexts can 'aboriginal' take the place of 'indigenous'?

The synonyms aboriginal and indigenous are sometimes interchangeable, but aboriginal implies having no known others preceding in occupancy of a particular region. // the aboriginal peoples of Australia

Q: When could 'endemic' be used to replace 'indigenous'?

While the synonyms endemic and indigenous are close in meaning, endemic implies being peculiar to a region. // a disease endemic in Africa

Q: When is it sensible to use 'native' instead of 'indigenous'?

The words native and indigenous can be used in similar contexts, but native implies birth or origin in a place or region and may suggest compatibility with it. // native tribal customs

indigenous

adjective

in-ˈdi-jə-nəs

Definition of indigenous next

as in aboriginal

belonging to a particular place by birth or origin the culture of the indigenous people of that country

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in inherent

being a part of the innermost nature of a person or thing the drive to create that is indigenous to humanity

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

How is the word indigenous distinct from other similar adjectives?

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

In what contexts can aboriginal take the place of indigenous?

The synonyms aboriginal and indigenous are sometimes interchangeable, but aboriginal implies having no known others preceding in occupancy of a particular region.

the aboriginal peoples of Australia

When could endemic be used to replace indigenous?

While the synonyms endemic and indigenous are close in meaning, endemic implies being peculiar to a region.

a disease endemic in Africa

When is it sensible to use native instead of indigenous?

The words native and indigenous can be used in similar contexts, but native implies birth or origin in a place or region and may suggest compatibility with it.

native tribal customs

Example Sentences

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Recent Examples of indigenous This is major news in the world of indigenous resistance. —

Chris O'Falt, IndieWire, 21 Jan. 2025 The tribe, as well as other indigenous nations, including the Kletsel Dehe Wintun and the Cachil Dehe Band of Wintun Indians, envision preserving an old trade route, as well as improving a recreational trail to attract hikers, sightseers and bikers from San Francisco to Sacramento. —

Kevin Lynn, Newsweek, 8 Jan. 2025 In some instances, however, indigenous knowledge practices and science are in agreement. —

Robert Schmad, Washington Examiner - Political News and Conservative Analysis About Congress, the President, and the Federal Government, 8 Jan. 2025 According to Wired, Zuckerberg's property has caused tension with locals and indigenous groups on the island. —

Rachel Raposas, People.com, 20 Dec. 2024 See all Example Sentences for indigenous

Recent Examples of Synonyms for indigenous

Adjective

Before the colonization of Australia, many aboriginal people buried dingoes with rites indistinguishable from those used for humans.

— Rafil Kroll-Zaidi, Harper's Magazine, 2 Jan. 2024
Versions have been developed by several different ancient cultures, including Aztec, Maya, Greek, Roman, and Australian aboriginal designs.

— Ars Technica, Ars Technica, 2 Jan. 2025