inborn

adjective

ˈin-ˈbȯrn How to pronounce inborn (audio)
Definition of inbornnext
1
as in inherent
being a part of the innermost nature of a person or thing an inborn talent for dancing

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in genetic
genetically passed or capable of being passed from parent to offspring certain instincts are inborn in mice

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

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

Some common synonyms of inborn are congenital, hereditary, inbred, and innate. While all these words mean "not acquired after birth," 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

How do congenital and hereditary relate to one another, in the sense of inborn?

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 can inbred be used instead of inborn?

The words inbred and inborn are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, 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

In what contexts can innate take the place of inborn?

The synonyms innate and inborn are sometimes interchangeable, but innate applies to qualities or characteristics that are part of one's inner essential nature.

an innate sense of fair play

Example 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 inborn In this research, scientists selectively bred laboratory rats over 15+ generations into two groups: those with high intrinsic (inborn) treadmill running capacity and those with low treadmill running capacity. —Scott Travers, Forbes, 21 Sep. 2024 The results from our latest study suggest that even children with inborn characteristics of a difficult temperament can benefit from the advantages that come from multiple secure attachments. —Discover Magazine, 20 Sep. 2024 As a result, the oldest kid may very well develop a sense of responsibility and leadership — qualities fostered through the environment rather than inborn traits. —Allie Volpe, Vox, 10 June 2024 Resurgence is a real sense in Detroit, a city where resilience is inborn and tougher tests have been endured. —Brian McCollum, Detroit Free Press, 7 June 2024 See All Example Sentences for inborn
Recent Examples of Synonyms for inborn
  1. inherent
  2. genetic
  3. intrinsic
  4. hereditary
  5. integral
  6. essential
  7. inheritable
Adjective
  • For as bleak as things can feel for Chicago’s South Side ballclub, there is still an inherent optimism when everyone’s record is 0-0.
    — Sam Blum, New York Times, 28 Mar. 2025
  • Similarly, companies that release forked AOSP products rarely use the main AOSP branch due to its inherent instability.
    — Ewan Spence, Forbes.com, 28 Mar. 2025
Definition of inherent
Adjective
  • The remains were found by a person walking through the woods in Wilkeson, Washington, south of Seattle, in October 1997, according to a news release from the forensic genetic genealogy company Othram.
    — Kerry Breen, CBS News, 9 Apr. 2025
  • Zoom in: The company believes these clones — or future clones and offspring — could bring genetic diversity to the captive breeding population of red wolves.
    — Zachery Eanes, Axios, 8 Apr. 2025
Definition of genetic
Adjective
  • Unlike gem-setting, where there is intrinsic value to the precious stones and metal, enamel’s base material is inexpensive glass.
    — Lily Templeton, Footwear News, 2 Apr. 2025
  • But even without an antibody treatment, our group has found that opening the blood-brain barrier with focused ultrasound alone induces an intrinsic immune response in the brain that reduces beta amyloid and tau.
    — Rachel Nuwer, Scientific American, 28 Mar. 2025
Definition of intrinsic
Adjective
  • By contrast, the plantation economy relied on rigid racial hierarchies and hereditary enslavement.
    — Austin Choi-Fitzpatrick, The Conversation, 4 Apr. 2025
  • Between five and 10% of cases will be considered hereditary, meaning that the cancer was caused by a genetic abnormality that was passed down from the mother or father.
    — Joanne Fowler, People.com, 1 Apr. 2025
Definition of hereditary
Adjective
  • The score is not only fantastic, but such an integral part of a narrative about the cultural and magical impact of music.
    — Pat Saperstein, Variety, 4 Apr. 2025
  • Those raised in poverty become accustomed to setbacks, viewing them as integral parts of life's journey.
    — Jaime Catmull, Forbes.com, 3 Apr. 2025
Definition of integral
Adjective
  • Since 2014, the ACL Hall of Fame has honored artists who have played an essential role in the series’ half-century as a premier supporter of top-shelf music.
    — Jessica Nicholson, Billboard, 10 Apr. 2025
  • Forbes Daily: Join over 1 million Forbes Daily subscribers and get our best stories, exclusive reporting and essential analysis of the day’s news in your inbox every weekday.
    — Larry Fleisher, Forbes.com, 10 Apr. 2025
Definition of essential
Adjective
  • Quoting the late American historian Yosef Hayim Yerushalmi, Horn said Jewish culture makes a distinction between history and memory, and Jews are more interested in memory: investing a historical event with eternal, inheritable meaning.
    — Andrew Silow-Carroll, Sun Sentinel, 8 Apr. 2025
  • Our vision is that the future of design will have a long lasting inheritable quality.
    — Sydney Gore, Architectural Digest, 6 Feb. 2025
Definition of inheritable

Browse Nearby Words

inboards
inborn
inbreathe
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Cite this Entry

“Inborn.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/inborn. Accessed 16 Apr. 2025.

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