Definition of heritablenext
as in hereditary
genetically passed or capable of being passed from parent to offspring heritable characteristics like skin and eye and hair color

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Example Sentences

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.
Recent Examples of heritable Family studies of eye preference suggest modest heritable influences on lateralization. Scott Travers, Forbes.com, 27 May 2026 Now, many people have rejected the evidence that autism is a highly heritable condition, it’s primarily caused by genetics. Fiction Non Fiction, Literary Hub, 9 Apr. 2026 Science, of course, struggles to prove whether that’s predestined in their genes, though some studies suggest that some tendency toward hoarding—put another way, collecting to excess—is heritable. Mark Ellwood, Robb Report, 31 Mar. 2026 Genotoxicity is when a substance or chemical is destructive to genetic information, causing DNA or chromosomal damage that can lead to mutations, cancer, or heritable defects. Emily Kay Votruba, EverydayHealth.com, 2 Mar. 2026 See All Example Sentences for heritable
Recent Examples of Synonyms for heritable
Adjective
  • The family’s authority has been reinforced through an extensive personality cult, centralized control of the state and military, and hereditary succession.
    Ethan Teekah, Encyclopedia Britannica, 6 Aug. 2026
  • The Umayyads were the first hereditary Muslim empire that ruled after the death of Muhammad in 632.
    Iqbal Akhtar, The Conversation, 31 July 2026
Adjective
  • Just like her daughter, Jenner was diagnosed with psoriasis at 30 years old (the condition does have a genetic component).
    Andrea Wurzburger, PEOPLE, 3 Aug. 2026
  • Breastfeeding is linked to higher IQs in children, but mothers with higher IQs are more likely to breastfeed, and because IQ is partly genetic, their kids would probably have higher IQs anyway.
    Olga Khazan, The Atlantic, 3 Aug. 2026
Adjective
  • In its first phase, the program offers genomic testing to 50,000 adults, screening for inherited predispositions to three major life-threatening diseases.
    William A. Haseltine, Forbes.com, 17 July 2026
  • Though not archaeological, the designs tapped into a related appetite for inherited craft and materials with ephemera from the past.
    Thomas Waller, Footwear News, 16 July 2026
Adjective
  • Citizenship strategy has moved from a fringe consideration to standard practice among high-net-worth families, with parents and grandparents increasingly viewing passports as a form of inheritable wealth.
    Alex Ohnona, Fortune, 22 Oct. 2025
  • These shares are also inheritable, allowing them to be passed on to heirs.
    Daniela Sanjinés, The Conversation, 22 July 2025
Adjective
  • Reviewers especially love their structured design, one of the hallmarks of a more durable, tight weave that lends the style its inherent stability.
    Tanya Sharma, PEOPLE, 6 Aug. 2026
  • While an option like the orange-and-white stripe accentuates the sofa’s inherent whimsy, it’d be easy to achieve a more serious look with one of the solid-colored upholstery options.
    Alyssa Marino Williams, Architectural Digest, 6 Aug. 2026

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Heritable.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/heritable. Accessed 11 Aug. 2026.

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!