inherent

adjective

in·​her·​ent in-ˈher-ənt How to pronounce inherent (audio)
also
-ˈhir- How to pronounce inherent (audio)
Synonyms of inherent
: belonging to the basic nature of something or someone : involved in the constitution or essential character of something : intrinsic
risks inherent in the venture
a belief in the inherent goodness of people
problems inherent in the design
There is an inherent sweetness to all of the characters, and to the show.—Bill Goodykoontz
inherently adverb

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Don't Get Stuck on the Meaning of Inherent

Inherent literally refers to something that is "stuck in" something else so firmly that they can't be separated. A plan may have an inherent flaw that will cause it to fail; a person may have inherent virtues that everyone admires. Since the flaw and the virtues can't be removed, the plan may simply have to be thrown out and the person will remain virtuous forever.

Synonyms of inherent

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Examples of inherent in a Sentence

It is one more proof that our world has lost the kind of exquisite sensibility displayed by John Milton when he came up with his definition of poetry. He first wrote "simple, sensual, and passionate," but he was bothered by the grossness inherent in "sensual," and so he invented the word "sensuous." —Florence King, National Review, 24 Sept. 2007
There were those who trusted the innate goodness of humanity, and those who believed in its inherent crookedness. —Terry Eagleton, Harper's, March 2005
The problem … is inherent and perennial in any democracy, but it has been more severe in ours during the past quarter-century because of the near universal denigration of government, politics and politicians. —Michael Kinsley, Time, 29 Oct. 2001
He has an inherent sense of fair play. an inherent concept of justice
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.
The tightness of White’s control over his arrangements can occasionally foreclose the sense of chaotic freedom inherent to his more collaborative efforts. — Ryan Meehan, Pitchfork, 26 Oct. 2026 Miller makes the statistical adjustments required to nail the probabilities inherent in the prices. — Shawn Tully, Fortune, 24 Oct. 2026 Curic and his team have dialed down the caricature and delivered elegance to go with the innate drama of the vehicle, which is less obviously in hock to downforce or to the cooling demands inherent with other McLarens. — Jason Barlow, Robb Report, 24 Oct. 2026 That’s the inherent challenge, and slippery slope, for agencies that represent clients with competing interests. — Barry Jackson, Miami Herald, 23 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for inherent

Word History

Etymology

Latin inhaerent-, inhaerens, present participle of inhaerēre — see inhere

First Known Use

1581, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of inherent was in 1581

Rhymes for inherent

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Browse Nearby Words

inherency
inherent
inherit
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Cite this Entry

“Inherent.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/inherent. Accessed 27 Oct. 2026.

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Kids Definition

inherent

adjective
in·​her·​ent in-ˈhir-ənt How to pronounce inherent (audio)
-ˈher-
: belonging to or being a part of the nature of a person or thing
an inherent sense of fair play
fluidity is an inherent quality of gas
inherently adverb

Medical Definition

inherent

adjective
in·​her·​ent in-ˈhir-ənt How to pronounce inherent (audio) in-ˈher- How to pronounce inherent (audio)
: involved in the constitution or essential character of something : belonging by nature
the skin's inherent elasticity—Kathleen C. Engles
inherently adverb
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