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

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 indigenous These names are a mix of monikers that stem from indigenous Australian languages, Aussie place names, botanical names, and more. —

Sherri Gordon, Parents, 2 Dec. 2024 Across Mexico and Central America, tamales were (and still are) eaten on special holidays like Día de los Muertos, but as the indigenous populations converted to Christianity, tamales became associated with Christmas. —

Cat Cardenas, Southern Living, 30 Nov. 2024 Cookbook author Beth Dooley wrote about the indigenous tepary bean, which is grown in low-water, high-heat regions and is more widely available in supermarkets and online. —

Laurie Ochoa, Los Angeles Times, 30 Nov. 2024 Think about Montezuma, Pepita, the indigenous peoples who relied on these flowers for medicine, and the German immigrant who turned a wild shrub into a beloved holiday tradition. —

Leanne Potts, Better Homes & Gardens, 30 Nov. 2024 See all Example Sentences for indigenous

Recent Examples of Synonyms for indigenous

Adjective

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
The Ainu’s story is poignantly reminiscent of that of aboriginal folk elsewhere: lost land, language, culture and rights.

— Gavin J Blair, The Hollywood Reporter, 3 Nov. 2024