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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.

At times, Day said the inherent impermanence of the spotlight gets to her.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 3, 2026

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

“There’s an inherent conflict of interest. An AI company says they’ll protect your privacy while simultaneously training their models on that same personal information to build better products they can sell or monetize.”

From Salon • Mar. 23, 2026

The inherent similarities between Russian and Iranian drones means there is significant overlap in the input materials they need to wage their wars simultaneously.

From Barron's • Mar. 17, 2026

My inherent idealism yearns for the issuance of the commemorative stamp and the living document of The Autobiography of Malcolm X to continue to bridge ignorance with insight, and despondency with hope.

From "The Autobiography of Malcolm X" by Alex Malcolm X;Hailey