ingrained

adjective

in·​grained ˈin-ˌgrānd How to pronounce ingrained (audio) (ˌ)in-ˈgrānd How to pronounce ingrained (audio)
variants or less commonly engrained
(ˌ)in-ˈgrānd How to pronounce ingrained (audio)
Synonyms of ingrainednext
1
: forming a part of the essence or inmost being : deep-seated
ingrained prejudice
2
: worked into the grain or fiber
ingrainedly
ˈin-ˌgrā-nəd-lē How to pronounce ingrained (audio)
ˈin-ˌgrānd-lē, 
(ˌ)in-ˈgrā-nəd-lē How to pronounce ingrained (audio)
-ˈgrānd-
adverb
or less commonly engrainedly
(ˌ)in-ˈgrā-nəd-lē How to pronounce ingrained (audio)
-ˈgrānd-

Synonyms of ingrained

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Examples of ingrained in a Sentence

These attitudes are very deeply ingrained in the culture. her deeply ingrained distrust of all authority
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
There are few garments more ingrained in the preppy aesthetic than short-sleeve polo shirts. — Lucía Tejo, Glamour, 25 May 2026 How did you get started with a chip company after being so ingrained in the music world? — Selena Fragassi, SPIN, 27 May 2026 The spirit of Mongolia is deeply ingrained in nearly every part of the hotel at large, too. — Mae Hamilton, Travel + Leisure, 10 June 2026 Has this behavior become so ingrained in our culture that it is accepted normalcy? — Voice Of The People, New York Daily News, 4 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for ingrained

Word History

First Known Use

1599, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Time Traveler
The first known use of ingrained was in 1599

Rhymes for ingrained

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Browse Nearby Words

ingrain dye
ingrained
ingrandize
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Cite this Entry

“Ingrained.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/ingrained. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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Kids Definition

ingrained

adjective
in·​grained ˈin-ˌgrānd How to pronounce ingrained (audio) (ˈ)in-ˈgrānd How to pronounce ingrained (audio)
1
: worked into the grain or fiber
2
: forming a part of the inmost being : deep-seated
ingrained attitudes

More from Merriam-Webster on ingrained

Nglish: Translation of ingrained for Spanish Speakers

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