congenital

adjective

kən-ˈje-nə-tᵊl How to pronounce congenital (audio)
Definition of congenitalnext
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

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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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 Ava Cooper, a 10-year-old from Akron, was born with several congenital heart defects. — Vanessa Etienne, People.com, 26 Feb. 2025 Billy was born in April 2017 and was diagnosed with a rare congenital heart defect (called Tetralogy of Fallot with VSD) and underwent his first surgery just hours after being born. — Matt Robison, Newsweek, 24 Feb. 2025 She was born with a cytomegalovirus infection, or congenital CMV, and died following complications from surgery. — Vic Tafur, The Athletic, 21 Feb. 2025 The foundation has raised and given away more than $8 million to support families of children with congenital heart disease and Levine Children’s Hospital in Charlotte, where Olsen’s son TJ has been cared for for years. — Scott Fowler, Charlotte Observer, 27 Jan. 2025 See All Example Sentences for congenital
Recent Examples of Synonyms for congenital
  1. chronic
  2. born
  3. natural
  4. hereditary
Adjective
  • Not overworked but under-challenged? Rust-out is a workplace phenomenon characterized by chronic boredom and under-stimulation, often resulting in feelings of disengagement and lack of motivation.
    — Jodie Cook, Forbes, 14 Mar. 2025
  • Research highlights a direct link between chronic sleep deprivation and mental health disorders such as anxiety and depression.
    — Lia Miller, Parents, 14 Mar. 2025
Definition of chronic
Adjective
  • Shaw has said he was reborn after the shooting and years later would become a born-again Christian.
    — Jordan Blum, Houston Chronicle, 9 June 2019
  • In his mid-40s, Mr. Phillips had quietly become a born-again Christian after attending a Billy Graham rally.
    — James R. Hagerty, WSJ, 18 Jan. 2019
Definition of born
Adjective
  • Mitchell has nice speed and good hands, so his natural fit might be as a third-down back.
    — Nate Taylor, The Athletic, 11 Mar. 2025
  • Multiple terraces and decks invite moments of relaxation amid the surrounding natural beauty.
    — Rowan Briggs, The Mercury News, 10 Mar. 2025
Definition of natural
Adjective
  • If Mojtaba does indeed become supreme leader, not only will the Islamic Republic come closer to becoming a hereditary monarchy, but the forward defense may get a second wind.
    — Foreign Affairs, Foreign Affairs, 25 Feb. 2025
  • At Epic Care, patients seeking genetic testing are evaluated by an oncologist with advanced training and expertise in hereditary cancers and genetic counseling.
    — Rowan Briggs, The Mercury News, 13 Feb. 2025
Definition of hereditary

Browse Nearby Words

congenital
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Cite this Entry

“Congenital.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/congenital. Accessed 23 Mar. 2025.

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