INTRINSIC Synonyms: 51 Similar and Opposite Words

intrinsic

adjective

in-ˈtrin-zik

Definition of intrinsic

as in inherent

being a part of the innermost nature of a person or thing the question of whether people have an intrinsic sense of right and wrong

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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 intrinsic Cities are unique milieus where millions live together at a peculiar rhythm which is intrinsic to the psyche of the city dweller. — Georg Szalai, HollywoodReporter, 15 Aug. 2026 Scientists have known that the heart contains its own nervous system, called the intrinsic cardiac nervous system, for decades. — Isabella Backman, Hartford Courant, 14 Aug. 2026 Peart was a one-of-a-kind virtuoso, one of the greatest drummers rock ever knew, his monstrously complex parts so intrinsic to Rush’s sound that the idea of replacing him long seemed unfathomable. — Brian Hiatt, Rolling Stone, 14 Aug. 2026 Meredith estimates Berkshire shares are trading at an 8% discount to intrinsic value. — Yun Li, CNBC, 7 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for intrinsic

Recent Examples of Synonyms for intrinsic

Adjective

The strategy seeks to slow China's technological advancement through attrition rather than a complete ban, acknowledging the inherent challenge of policing cross-border digital services.

— John Werner, Forbes.com, 29 Aug. 2026
Although none of these trails are terribly technical, there’s still an inherent risk that comes with hiking.

— Jaclyn Cosgrove, Los Angeles Times, 27 Aug. 2026

Definition of inherent

Adjective

All eyes on food Diesel is integral to every part of the food supply chain.

— Wyatte Grantham-Philips, Fortune, 4 Sep. 2026
The Leipzig scenes are both ephemeral and integral; later, Taro will speculate that if the Germans had had the same revolutionary zeal as the Spanish, Hitler might have been defeated.

— Damon Wise, Deadline, 3 Sep. 2026

Definition of integral

Adjective

Koeckeritz argued that a paved parking lot is an essential accessory to its main function — worship — not the principal use of the property across the street from the towering cathedral.

— Mark Dee, Idaho Statesman, 3 Sep. 2026
Which essential services, such as banks and postal delivery, will be closed?

— Don Sweeney, Sacbee.com, 3 Sep. 2026

Definition of essential

Browse Nearby Words

intriguing

intrinsic

intrinsically

See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

Style

“Intrinsic.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/intrinsic. Accessed 6 Sep. 2026.

Copy Citation

Synonyms of intrinsic

adjective

Example Sentences

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

More from Merriam-Webster

Word of the Day

inexorable

Popular in Grammar & Usage

A Who’s Who Regarding ‘Who’s’ and ‘Whose’

A List of Most Commonly Confused Words

Why do we use apostrophes to show possession?

Is it 'nerve-racking' or 'nerve-wracking'?

What's the difference between 'fascism' and 'socialism'?

Popular in Wordplay

The Longest Long Words List

Stay Woke

Ye Olde Nincompoop: Old-Fashioned Words for 'Stupid'

14 Phobias You Probably Haven't Heard Of

The Words of the Week - Sept. 4

Popular

A Who’s Who Regarding ‘Who’s’ and ‘Whose’

The Longest Long Words List

Stay Woke

Games & Quizzes