as in indigenous
belonging to a particular place by birth or origin the fish is not an endemic species of the lake, and it is rapidly devouring the native trout population

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How is the word endemic distinct from other similar adjectives?

Some common synonyms of endemic are aboriginal, indigenous, and native. While all these words mean "belonging to a locality," endemic implies being peculiar to a region.

a disease endemic in Africa

When might aboriginal be a better fit than endemic?

The words aboriginal and endemic are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, aboriginal implies having no known others preceding in occupancy of a particular region.

the aboriginal peoples of Australia

When would indigenous be a good substitute for endemic?

While in some cases nearly identical to endemic, indigenous applies to that which is not only native but which, as far as can be determined, has never been introduced or brought from elsewhere.

indigenous plants

When is it sensible to use native instead of endemic?

In some situations, the words native and endemic are roughly equivalent. However, native implies birth or origin in a place or region and may suggest compatibility with it.

native tribal customs

Examples 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 endemic But endemic corruption, economic crises, the Beirut explosion and the collapse of the government reversed those gains. Aryn Baker, New York Times, 30 Dec. 2024 The deep Zionism of the Hanukkah story resonates especially in this era of endemic anti-Zionism and antisemitism. Jon Levin, National Review, 25 Dec. 2024 But perhaps more importantly, the state had been hollowed out by years of US sanctions, endemic regime corruption and economic collapse. The Week Uk, theweek, 22 Dec. 2024 Some doctors have lost their enjoyment, satisfaction, and—most tragically—their sense of purpose. Burnout has become endemic. Richard Menger Md Mpa, Forbes, 22 Dec. 2024 See all Example Sentences for endemic 

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Cite this Entry

“Endemic.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/endemic. Accessed 23 Jan. 2025.

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