Definitions

inherent

[in-her-uhnt, -heer-] / ɪnˈhɛr ənt, -ˈhɪər- /

ADJECTIVE

basic, hereditary

Synonyms

STRONGEST

built-in constitutional deep-rooted deep-seated essential fundamental genetic implicit ingrained innate instinctive internal intrinsic latent natural

WEAK

characteristic congenital connate distinctive elementary fixed immanent in the grain inborn inbred inbuilt indigenous indispensable individual indwelling inherited inner integral integrated intimate inward native original part-and-parcel resident running in the family subjective unalienable

Antonyms

STRONGEST

acquired auxiliary extra extrinsic learned minor secondary superficial unimportant

WEAK

added external incidental

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Like a musical Solomon, Lipman split the baby—avoiding the passé waltz while retaining its inherent groove with those persistent triplets.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 14, 2026

The investment case here avoids the volatility inherent in energy commodity exposure.

From MarketWatch • Apr. 8, 2026

It’s a zero-sum game for filmmakers and viewers alike, who would both do well to recognize the inherent value in surprise.

From Salon • Apr. 3, 2026

There is nothing innate to human psychology or inherent in modern economies that indicates recessions are part of an inevitable business cycle, he writes in his new book, Recession.

From Barron's • Apr. 3, 2026

Even then, Suzanne was like a sister whose life I could only track from afar, across the gulf of our inherent differences.

From "Becoming" by Michelle Obama

Vocabulary lists containing inherent

Essential Academic Vocabulary for High School Students, List 3

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Dear Martin

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Tuesdays with Morrie

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