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Definition of interbreeding

interbreeding

/ˌɪntərˈbriːdɪŋ/
in · ter · breed · ing
Plural:interbreedings
•
Adjective:interbred
•
Past Simple:interbred
•
Past Participle:interbred
•
Present Participle:interbreeding
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interbreeding Lexical Profile

interbreeding Game Scores & Validity

• noun

1

The act or process of breeding or mating between different species, subspecies, varieties, or breeds to produce hybrid offspring.

Example

"Genetic analysis revealed evidence of ancient interbreeding between modern humans and Neanderthals."

2

Reproduction between closely related individuals within a small, isolated population.

Example

"Generations of interbreeding within the isolated island population reduced overall genetic diversity."

Synonyms
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Antonyms
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• verb

1

To breed or cause to breed with a member of a different breed, variety, or species.

Example

"Wild wolves are increasingly interbreeding with domestic dogs along the edge of their habitat."

Synonyms
View all synonyms for interbreeding
Antonyms
View all antonyms for interbreeding

Word Nuance & Usage

Do not confuse 'interbreeding' with 'inbreeding'. Normally, 'interbreeding' refers to mating between different breeds, varieties, or species (hybridization), whereas 'inbreeding' refers to mating between closely related individuals within the same isolated group, though 'interbreeding' is occasionally used loosely in non-technical contexts to mean inbreeding.

• Rhymes for interbreeding

• Nearby Words

interagency
interborough
interbreed
interbreeding
intercampus
intercede
intercept

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Interbreeding. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/interbreeding
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