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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.

And Oliver Bearman's frightening 191mph crash during the Japanese Grand Prix has focused minds on long-held concerns voiced by the drivers about the speed differentials inherent in the way the cars and rules operate.

From BBC • Apr. 3, 2026

Feminist filmmakers have drawn out these inherent themes from the book, the most recent and loudest example being Maggie Gyllenhaal’s “The Bride!”

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 27, 2026

In January, he said he aimed for transparency in explaining to them the inherent risks of his career and his coming journey.

From Barron's • Mar. 25, 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

In a determined reversal of her inherent nature, Kochu Maria now, as a policy, hardly ever believed anything that anybody said.

From "The God of Small Things" by Arundhati Roy