INNATE Synonyms: 51 Similar and Opposite Words

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

Some common synonyms of innate are congenital , hereditary , inborn , and inbred . While all these words mean "not acquired after birth," innate applies to qualities or characteristics that are part of one's inner essential nature. // an innate sense of fair play

Q: How are the words 'congenital' and 'hereditary' related as synonyms of 'innate'?

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 would 'inborn' be a good substitute for 'innate'?

The meanings of inborn and innate largely overlap; however, 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: When might 'inbred' be a better fit than 'innate'?

The synonyms inbred and innate are sometimes interchangeable, but 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

innate

adjective

i-ˈnāt

Definition of innate next

as in inherent

being a part of the innermost nature of a person or thing an innate athletic ability that allowed him to excel at just about any sport he tried his hand at

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

Some common synonyms of innate are congenital, hereditary, inborn, and inbred. While all these words mean "not acquired after birth," innate applies to qualities or characteristics that are part of one's inner essential nature.

an innate sense of fair play

How are the words congenital and hereditary related as synonyms of innate?

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 would inborn be a good substitute for innate?

The meanings of inborn and innate largely overlap; however, 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 inbred be a better fit than innate?

The synonyms inbred and innate are sometimes interchangeable, but 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

Example Sentences

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Recent Examples of innate Next, the team wanted to quantify how effectively this information was communicated to the listener, a task made more difficult by the innate subjectivity of human perception. —

Ars Technica, 30 Dec. 2024 Among his innate gifts, Mufasa proves to be an expert in elephant migration patterns and botany. —

Amy Nicholson, Los Angeles Times, 19 Dec. 2024 Originally bred for working purposes in Newfoundland, Canada, these dogs were primarily used by fishermen for retrieving nets and rescuing drowning individuals due to their innate water rescue instincts. —

Kevin Lynn, Newsweek, 6 Jan. 2025 These markings contribute to leather’s unique characteristics and innate beauty. —

Maria Conti, Better Homes & Gardens, 3 Jan. 2025 See all Example Sentences for innate

Recent Examples of Synonyms for innate

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