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Synonyms

inherent

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

adjective

  1. existing in someone or something as a permanent and inseparable element, quality, or attribute; inhering.

    an inherent distrust of strangers.

    Synonyms:
    ingrained, inbred, native, innate
  2. Grammar. standing before a noun.


inherent British  
/ ɪnˈhɪərənt, -ˈhɛr- /

adjective

  1. existing as an inseparable part; intrinsic

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Related Words

See essential.

Other Word Forms

  • inherently adverb
  • noninherent adjective
  • uninherent adjective

Etymology

Origin of inherent

First recorded in 1570–80; from Latin inhaerent- (stem of inhaerēns ), present participle of the verb inhaerēre inhere; -ent

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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.

Despite the show’s inherent absurdity, “there’s truly a lot of consumer demand for it,” Justine Moore, a partner on the investing team at Andreessen Horowitz said.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 27, 2026

Hamilton added that he, too, saw the paradox inherent in the new rules.

From BBC • Mar. 26, 2026

“The first is “The Longest Way Home,” where I was trying to come to terms with getting married again, where I was asking, how do you maintain intimacy and preserve your inherent solitude?

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 25, 2026

The “Mormon Wives” brand is steeped in the kind of stylized transparency inherent to social media, where Paul rose to prominence as a MomTok influencer.

From Salon • Mar. 21, 2026

In Tannhauser, Lohengrin and The Mastersingers of Nuremberg he reworked ancient legend-fables so that his contemporaries would be uplifted by the chivalric pride inherent in the tales.

From "The Story of Music" by Howard Goodall