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Showing results for hereditary. Search instead for hereditamen.
Definitions

hereditary

[huh-red-i-ter-ee] / həˈrɛd ɪˌtɛr i /
ADJECTIVE
inherited; transmitted at birth
Synonyms
STRONGEST
genetic inborn transmitted
WEAK
ancestral bequeathed family genealogical handed-down heritable inbred inheritable inherited lineal maternal paternal patrimonial traditional transmissible willed
Antonyms
STRONGEST
acquired

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.

Like many chronic afflictions, Mets fandom can be hereditary or acquired.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 27, 2026

The BBC understands the Duke of Norfolk accepts the will of Parliament to get rid of hereditary peers but believes it's right the ceremonial roles should continue.

From BBC • Mar. 27, 2026

The end is nigh for hereditary peers, whose inherited right to sit in the House of Lords is set to be stripped from them after the passage of a new law this week.

From BBC • Mar. 13, 2026

Though he had - as he put it - "defended the indefensible" by arguing against the removal of hereditary peers, the earl has accepted his fate and was not "unduly distressed by it".

From BBC • Mar. 13, 2026

Principalities are either hereditary, in which instance the family of the prince has ruled for generations, or they are new.

From "The Prince" by Niccolò Machiavelli