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 However, Alice became sick as a young child and died in March 1858 from congenital hydrocephalus, according to Lizzie Borden Warps and Wefts. — Caroline Blair, PEOPLE, 18 Sep. 2026 Blood tests later pointed to congenital short bowel syndrome, a rare disorder that prevented Obelix from digesting food and led to prolonged hospital care. — Laura Sharman, CNN Money, 9 Sep. 2026 This can lead to numerous health problems, including low blood sugar, fragile bones, traumatic injuries, congenital heart, airway and eye problems and even hydrocephalus, where excess fluid puts pressure on their brain. — Maddie Rhodes, USA Today, 3 Sep. 2026 Based on Volpentest’s memoir of the same name, the film chronicles the life of the quadruple congenital amputee who defied expectations to become one of the most accomplished Paralympic sprinters in history. — Andreas Wiseman, Deadline, 2 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for congenital

Recent Examples of Synonyms for congenital

Adjective

Sickle cell is a genetic blood disorder that can cause chronic pain and be potentially fatal.

— ABC News, ABC News, 16 Oct. 2026
Many cannabis companies paid tax on gross profit rather than net profit, creating chronic cash-flow pressure.

— Carolyn Schenck, Forbes.com, 16 Oct. 2026

Definition of chronic

Adjective

Shooting stars become visible when particles of the ancient comet collide with our planet's atmosphere at 147,600 miles per hour (237,539 kilometers per hour), vaporizing in a spectacular display of natural fireworks.

— Anthony Wood, Space.com, 17 Oct. 2026
This part of South America often gets heavy rain during El Niño, a natural climate phenomenon in which warmer-than-usual waters in the Pacific Ocean scramble weather patterns around the world.

— Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 17 Oct. 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 21 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of congenital

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