Synonyms for

Congenital

Verb / kʌˈndʒenʌtʌl / Another word for congenital — explore alternatives below. For syllable breakdowns and pronunciation, see this word on Syllablesworld.

Definition

Existing at or before birth; acquired during development in the uterus and not through heredity.

Synonyms & similar words

innate inborn inborn innate natural inherent intrinsic inbred inherent intrinsic innate inherent intrinsic inborn native inbred inherent intrinsic inherent inbred intrinsic congenite

Synonyms by register

Formal

inherent innate inborn native

Literary

native-born inbred

Antonyms

acquired developed later postnatal external environmental

Common collocations

  • congenital defect
  • congenital heart defect
  • congenital anomaly
  • congenital disorder
  • congenital condition
  • congenital disease
  • congenital malformation

Word family

noun congenitality
adjective congenital

Usage note

Typically used to describe conditions or traits present from birth, often medical. It is not usually used for acquired characteristics or learned behaviors.

Example sentences

  1. His congenital deafness made it difficult for him to learn to speak.
  2. The doctor said that the disease was congenital and likely genetic.
  3. My friend was born with a congenital disability, but that never stopped her from achieving great things.
  4. The congenital heart defect was detected during the baby's first checkup.
  5. The scientists were studying the effects of congenital diseases on the brain.

Quotes

  • I was born with a congenital deformity of both hands, and that has never stopped me from doing whatever I wanted to do.
  • I think a lot of people with congenital disabilities have a natural ability to adapt and overcome obstacles.
  • My congenital condition may limit me physically, but it doesn't define me as a person.

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