native 1 of 2

1
as in indigenous
belonging to a particular place by birth or origin though she now lived in the Northeast, she was a native Midwesterner

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2
as in crude
being such as found in nature and not altered by processing or refining diamonds in their native state are not the bright, flashy gems that one might imagine

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3

native

2 of 2

noun

1
as in resident
a usually longtime resident of a locality the natives seem to resent the summer tourists even though they depend upon them for their livelihood

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2
as in aborigine
a member of the first people to inhabit a region the anthropologist spent two years living among the island's natives and observing and documenting their customs and traditions

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Synonym Chooser

How is the word native distinct from other similar adjectives?

Some common synonyms of native are aboriginal, endemic, and indigenous. While all these words mean "belonging to a locality," native implies birth or origin in a place or region and may suggest compatibility with it.

native tribal customs

When can aboriginal be used instead of native?

The meanings of aboriginal and native largely overlap; however, aboriginal implies having no known others preceding in occupancy of a particular region.

the aboriginal peoples of Australia

In what contexts can endemic take the place of native?

The synonyms endemic and native are sometimes interchangeable, but endemic implies being peculiar to a region.

a disease endemic in Africa

When might indigenous be a better fit than native?

The words indigenous and native are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, 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

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 native
Adjective
Enderlin, an Arkansas native and graduate of Middle Tennessee State University, swapped a work shirt for a Western pearl snap before joining her fellow creatives. Marcus K. Dowling, The Tennessean, 13 July 2025 Corenswet didn’t know until recently that the fellow Philly native would be playing his dad (since Cooper's character shows up in a recorded message). Brian Truitt, USA Today, 13 July 2025
Noun
As for the best actor to represent the younger generation, DeMonaco immediately thought of Davidson, his old friend and fellow Staten Island native. William Earl, Variety, 24 July 2025 The Marlins had struck for two runs in the first inning on a pair of two-out singles, an error by Machado and a double by El Cajon native Kyle Stowers. Kevin Acee, San Diego Union-Tribune, 23 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for native
Recent Examples of Synonyms for native
Adjective
  • However, there could be further oil to discover and the find showed Poland's commitment to find indigenous sources of oil and gas.
    Brendan Cole, MSNBC Newsweek, 24 July 2025
  • Explore colorful markets like the Witches’ Market, known for indigenous crafts and herbal remedies.
    Kathleen Peddicord, Forbes.com, 30 June 2025
Adjective
  • The essence of the review is evaluation, which of course doesn’t imply the crude simplicity of a thumbs-up or thumbs-down.
    Richard Brody, New Yorker, 24 July 2025
  • Oil prices have been soft this year, with West Texas Intermediate crude futures off about 9% per barrel, and Brent crude futures down 8%.
    Darla Mercado, CFP®, CNBC, 23 July 2025
Adjective
  • The strategy carries inherent moral challenges and political risks.
    Morgan Lee, Chicago Tribune, 25 July 2025
  • Unfortunately, this scenario represents a national obsession that has no inherent benefits but also portends deep regret for millions.
    Scott Liftman, Boston Herald, 25 July 2025
Noun
  • Videos from the scene posted to social media showed dozens of firefighters and other emergency service personnel at the scene, entering the building and removing residents from the immediate danger.
    Shane Croucher John Feng, MSNBC Newsweek, 14 July 2025
  • Protect yourself during a flood with these tips from the NWS For either residents or campers of flood-prone, low-lying areas, take immediate action and seek higher ground.
    STAR-TELEGRAM WEATHER BOT Updated July 14, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 14 July 2025
Noun
  • The Guanches were aborigines of the Canary Islands.
    JP Mangalindan, Peoplemag, 21 Feb. 2024
  • Breuil based his conclusions on contemporary anthropological observations of the Arunta aborigines in central Australia.
    Roger Lewin, Discover Magazine, 11 Nov. 2019
Adjective
  • The Verdict Lizard Island is rich with history (aboriginal and colonial) and is such an environmental wonder that researchers from around the world come here to study the reef.
    Christopher Cameron, Robb Report, 30 May 2025
  • The American Kennel Club (AKC) explains that village dogs are also known as primitive, aboriginal, or landrace dogs.
    Alyce Collins, MSNBC Newsweek, 13 May 2025
Adjective
  • For Angelique Kane, the title of artist didn't always feel like a natural fit.
    Shelby Slade, AZCentral.com, 21 July 2025
  • The real selling point, however, is the 1.02 carat natural diamond necklace set in 14k gold from GNAT Jewelry Atelier.
    Catherine Santino, People.com, 20 July 2025
Adjective
  • When work aligns with personal values, intrinsic motivation flourishes.
    AllBusiness, Forbes.com, 18 July 2025
  • Behind that, the bourbon’s intrinsic grain, vanilla, chocolate, and caramel notes buttress the palate, making this a unique sipper that would work really well in an Old Fashioned for coffee lovers.
    Jonah Flicker, Robb Report, 17 July 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Native.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/native. Accessed 29 Jul. 2025.

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