innate

[ih-neyt, in-eyt] / ɪˈneɪt, ˈɪn eɪt /

ADJECTIVE

inherited, native

Synonyms

STRONGEST

deep-seated elemental inborn ingrained inherent instinctive intrinsic intuitive

WEAK

congenital connate connatural constitutional essential hereditary inbred indigenous natural normal regular standard typical unacquired

Antonyms

STRONGEST

acquired extrinsic incidental learned meditated

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.

We have this almost innate sense of: Well, if they indict someone, that person probably did something pretty bad.

From Slate • May 22, 2026

Humor resonates with something individual, possibly innate and probably inexplicable inside each of us; our sense of it is something we can’t control.

From Los Angeles Times • May 14, 2026

Nahai says by using mascots, brands tap into people's innate impulses.

From BBC • May 13, 2026

Rarely has a writer exhibited such an innate strength of character.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 8, 2026

In a larger sense art, like science and religion, fulfills our innate urge to comprehend ourselves and the universe.

From "History of Art, Volume 1" by H.W. Janson

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