Dictionary.com
Thesaurus.com
Showing results for inbred. Search instead for inbreds.
Synonyms

inbred

American  
[in-bred] / ˈɪnˈbrɛd /

adjective

  1. naturally inherent; innate: native.

    her inbred grace.

    Synonyms:
    instinctive, constitutional, inborn
  2. resulting from or involved in inbreeding.


inbred British  
/ ˈɪnˈbrɛd /

adjective

  1. produced as a result of inbreeding

  2. deeply ingrained; innate

    inbred good manners

"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

Etymology

Origin of inbred

First recorded in 1585–95; past participle of inbreed


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.

See Examples For:

The firm’s potent culture, Mr. Blankfein once said, blended confidence and excellence with “an inbred insecurity that drives people.”

From The Wall Street Journal ● Mar. 20, 2026

Greene adds: "Keijo is inbred, so it's even more concerning that his semen might be used for breeding of captive orcas."

From BBC ● Aug. 23, 2025

Inside the painting is a rendering of Kenny the Tiger, the famous inbred white Bengal.

From Los Angeles Times ● Mar. 11, 2025

Not only that, but the pupfish are believed to be one of the most inbred of all species, a lack of genetic variation that makes it difficult for the creatures to procreate and thrive.

From New York Times ● May 9, 2024

As with language, the system is governed by genes, and there are genetic differences between species and between inbred animals of the same species.

From "The Lives of a Cell" by Lewis Thomas

Random Word

Spin the wheel and learn a new word!

Get a word


Vocabulary.com logo
by dictionary.com

Just like flashcards, but way more fun

Don't take our word for it. Leave the boring studying behind and join VocabTrainer today. You'll learn even faster and never look back.

Take me to Vocabulary.com