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

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 innate Trump increasingly has made his criticisms of Harris about her fundamental capacity and competence, suggesting an innate inadequacy that distinguished her from Biden. —

Josh Boak, Los Angeles Times, 22 Oct. 2024 Such drama may seem like a far cry from Martin-Löf’s work—the Swedish architect is best known for his minimalist houses wrought in noble materials and luxe custom yachts—but his skills lie in an innate ability to gracefully layer styles and eras. —

Laura May Todd, Architectural Digest, 1 Nov. 2024 Governed by the moon, this Water sign is often admired for its innate sensitivity and intuition, but much like Elle Woods, Cancers are unstoppable and tenacious despite their soft exterior, making this an ideal costume choice. —

Valerie Mesa, People.com, 28 Oct. 2024 With the influx of information, experts say parents forget their innate abilities. —

Lynda Lin Grigsby, NBC News, 26 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for innate

Recent Examples of Synonyms for innate

Adjective

To put it another way: Animation can get away with a lot more because of its inherent otherworldliness.

Bilge Ebiri, Vulture, 8 Nov. 2024
An onlooker snapped a picture, which seemed to exemplify the lawlessness that is inherent to why some people love sideshows and others hate them.

Nate Gartrell, The Mercury News, 7 Nov. 2024