Recurring crossword clue · multiple possible answers

Congenital crossword clue

Editorially reviewed August 20, 2026

Best starting answer

For the common six-letter entry, compare INBORN, INNATE, INBRED, and NATIVE against the crossings. Do not assume HEREDITARY unless the clue specifically points to transmission from ancestors rather than merely being present at birth.

Congenital answers by length

The correct fill depends on the number of squares, crossing letters, and the sense intended by the setter.

4 letters

BORNExisting from birth rather than acquired later.

6 letters

INBORNPresent from birth; congenital rather than acquired.

INNATEExisting naturally from birth or as an essential characteristic.

INBREDInherited through breeding or deeply fixed by long association.

NATIVEBelonging naturally or by birth; innate rather than learned.

7 letters

CONNATECongenitally united, joined, or present together from birth.

NATURALInnate, inherent, or arising without being acquired or taught.

INBUILTBuilt into something as an inherent or essential feature.

8 letters

INHERENTExisting as a permanent, essential, or characteristic part.

HABITUALCustomary and deep-rooted, fitting a figurative congenital tendency.

9 letters

INHERITEDReceived genetically from parents or predecessors.

INGRAINEDDeeply fixed in character or habit and difficult to change.

10 letters

HEREDITARYTransmitted genetically from one generation to the next.

INVETERATELong-established and habitual, especially in a figurative description of character.

14 letters

CONSTITUTIONALInherent in a person's nature, physical makeup, or basic constitution.

Meanings to check

Present at birth or arising before birth, without necessarily being inherited from a parent.
Innate, inborn, or naturally part of a person's character or ability.
Inherited or hereditary, when the clue explicitly points to genetic transmission.
Inherent, inbuilt, or essential to the nature or constitution of something.
Deep-rooted or habitual in a figurative phrase such as a congenital tendency.

Common Congenital clue variants

congenital 6 letters crossword clue

Four strong six-letter possibilities share the broad idea of being present from birth; crossing letters are essential because their exact senses differ.

INBORN6 lettersINNATE6 lettersINBRED6 lettersNATIVE6 letters

congenital trait crossword clue

Trait wording may ask for something innate or inherent, while explicit family or genetic language points more narrowly to inherited or hereditary.

INBORN6 lettersINNATE6 lettersINHERENT8 lettersINHERITED9 lettersHEREDITARY10 letters

congenital tendency crossword clue

A figurative tendency clue can describe a quality as natural, inbred, ingrained, habitual, or inveterate rather than making a medical claim.

INBRED6 lettersNATURAL7 lettersHABITUAL8 lettersINGRAINED9 lettersINVETERATE10 letters

congenital condition crossword clue

A condition present at birth is congenital, but it is hereditary only when inherited genetic transmission is part of the clue's meaning.

INBORN6 lettersINNATE6 lettersINHERITED9 lettersHEREDITARY10 lettersCONSTITUTIONAL14 letters