CONGENITAL Synonyms: 35 Similar and Opposite Words

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

Some common synonyms of congenital are hereditary , inborn , inbred , and innate . While all these words mean "not acquired after birth," 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 can 'inborn' be used instead of 'congenital'?

While the synonyms inborn and congenital are close in meaning, 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 could 'inbred' be used to replace 'congenital'?

Although the words inbred and congenital have much in common, 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

Q: When is 'innate' a more appropriate choice than 'congenital'?

The words innate and congenital can be used in similar contexts, but innate applies to qualities or characteristics that are part of one's inner essential nature. // an innate sense of fair play

congenital

adjective

kən-ˈje-nə-tᵊl

Definition of congenital

as in chronic

being such from birth or by nature a congenital liar who couldn't speak the truth if his life depended on it

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

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

While the synonyms inborn and congenital are close in meaning, 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 could inbred be used to replace congenital?

Although the words inbred and congenital have much in common, 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

When is innate a more appropriate choice than congenital?

The words innate and congenital can be used in similar contexts, 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 congenital In December 2015, when Eva Benefield was just 14 years old, her mother, Renee Benefield, died suddenly from an undetected congenital heart defect. — Janelle Griffith, PEOPLE, 21 Aug. 2026 For a time, there was speculation that King Tut may have inherited a congenital disorder that impacted his body shape. — Popular Science Team, Popular Science, 12 Aug. 2026 During an epidemic in 1964 and 1965, 20,000 infants were born with congenital rubella syndrome. — Matthew Herper, STAT, 11 Aug. 2026 Prenatal multivitamins containing folic acid, iron, and other key nutrients are vital for a healthy pregnancy and reducing the risk of congenital disorders. — Lindsay Curtis, Verywell Health, 7 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for congenital

Recent Examples of Synonyms for congenital

Adjective

The maps revealed that a chronic problem had turned critical.

— David D. Kirkpatrick, New Yorker, 29 Aug. 2026
Bidets may also ease discomfort from hemorrhoids, fistulas and anal fissures, and help people with chronic diarrhea or conditions that require frequent wiping.

— Hanna Wickes, Sacbee.com, 29 Aug. 2026

Definition of chronic

Adjective

The instruments can move with greater flexibility than the human hand, while the system filters out natural hand tremors that could affect delicate movements.

— Atharva Gosavi, Interesting Engineering, 30 Aug. 2026
If there isn’t an official audiobook, the PocketBook Q’s natural-sounding Text-to-Speech function will read any text file aloud for you.

— Benny Har-Even, Forbes.com, 30 Aug. 2026

Definition of natural

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congenially

congenital

congenitally

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“Congenital.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/congenital. Accessed 2 Sep. 2026.

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Synonyms of congenital

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