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Showing results for hereditary.
Definitions

hereditary

[huh-red-i-ter-ee] / həˈrɛd ɪˌtɛr i /
ADJECTIVE
inherited; transmitted at birth
Synonyms
STRONGEST
genetic inborn transmitted
WEAK
ancestral bequeathed family genealogical handed-down heritable inbred inheritable inherited lineal maternal paternal patrimonial traditional transmissible willed
Antonyms
STRONGEST
acquired

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 many chronic afflictions, Mets fandom can be hereditary or acquired.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 27, 2026

In a debate, Lord Roberts said "these two noble Lords undertake totally different roles on behalf of the Crown and state from any other of the hereditary peers".

From BBC • Mar. 27, 2026

The BBC understands the Duke of Norfolk accepts the will of Parliament to get rid of hereditary peers but believes it's right the ceremonial roles should continue.

From BBC • Mar. 27, 2026

Though he had - as he put it - "defended the indefensible" by arguing against the removal of hereditary peers, the earl has accepted his fate and was not "unduly distressed by it".

From BBC • Mar. 13, 2026

The swapping of genetic information between paired chromosomes is crucial to the mixing and matching of hereditary information between parents.

From "The Gene" by Siddhartha Mukherjee