Synonym Chooser

How does the noun predilection contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of predilection are bias, prejudice, and prepossession. While all these words mean "an attitude of mind that predisposes one to favor something," predilection implies a strong liking deriving from one's temperament or experience.

a predilection for travel

When could bias be used to replace predilection?

Although the words bias and predilection have much in common, bias implies an unreasoned and unfair distortion of judgment in favor of or against a person or thing.

a strong bias toward the plaintiff

When is it sensible to use prejudice instead of predilection?

The words prejudice and predilection can be used in similar contexts, but prejudice usually implies an unfavorable prepossession and connotes a feeling rooted in suspicion, fear, or intolerance.

a mindless prejudice against the unfamiliar

When can prepossession be used instead of predilection?

While the synonyms prepossession and predilection are close in meaning, prepossession suggests a fixed conception likely to preclude objective judgment of anything counter to it.

a prepossession against technology

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 predilection That obviates your basic hedonistic predilection / For a rhythmic stroking of your fur to demonstrate affection. Ashley Belanger, Ars Technica, 19 Mar. 2025 Books, Arts & Manners Books The Second World War’s Masters and Commanders Rich Lowry The choices and predilections of leaders can bring national triumph, or catastrophe and unfathomable suffering. Mary Katharine Ham, National Review, 17 Apr. 2025 Controlling and uncompromising, the two men share a predilection for doubling down. Ann Scott Tyson, Christian Science Monitor, 15 Apr. 2025 Some of Trump’s critics used sketchy arguments and weak empirical evidence to accuse Facebook and other social media services of having allowed Russian propagandists to manipulate Americans into voting for a leader with authoritarian predilections. Henry Farrell, Foreign Affairs, 3 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for predilection
Recent Examples of Synonyms for predilection
Noun
  • The heavy stacks of cash fit into a pattern emerging throughout the trial as prosecutors attempt to paint Combs as a man spoiled by success, able to hide a tendency for abuse and criminality through a large staff and an ever-larger fortune.
    Anna Kaufman, USA Today, 4 June 2025
  • That’s the tendency, when arriving at such milestones — to celebrate the past, and the distance traveled.
    Andy Meek, Forbes.com, 4 June 2025
Noun
  • Additionally, the Bank of Japan’s inclination to tighten its monetary policy, which collides with the Asian nation’s fiscal woes, also have a hand in fueling the bond sell-off, said Varathan.
    Lee Ying Shan, CNBC, 22 May 2025
  • But state officials have shown no inclination toward making alterations. California earlier this month joined a multi-state lawsuit challenging the Federal Highway Administration and the Trump administration from withholding billions of dollars to expand electric vehicle infrastructure.
    Rob Nikolewski, Mercury News, 21 May 2025
Noun
  • But there must be a method, some sort of expertise and aptitude for the assignment.
    Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 7 June 2025
  • Nancy shared a sweet story about an interaction with the late Eddie Van Halen that involved an acoustic guitar, a hotel landline and the guitarist’s musical aptitude.
    Melissa Ruggieri, USA Today, 3 June 2025
Noun
  • However, instead of removing the minerals from the water, these devices make the minerals soluble in the water.
    Timothy Dale, Better Homes & Gardens, 14 Mar. 2025
  • However, these incidents underscore the importance of regularly updating your devices to stay protected against evolving threats.
    Kurt Knutsson, CyberGuy Report, Fox News, 14 Mar. 2025
Noun
  • Belichick has always had a strong affinity for the sport, and his former player, Hogan, was a lacrosse star who transitioned to the NFL.
    Ben Verbrugge, MSNBC Newsweek, 4 June 2025
  • But South Korean voters were animated more by anger at Yoon and his party than by an affinity for Lee.
    Jennifer Jett, NBC news, 3 June 2025
Noun
  • The group were filmed licking and sniffing the younger kitten in a clear show of affection, in the post to TikTok from April 25.
    Melissa Fleur Afshar, MSNBC Newsweek, 5 June 2025
  • Upon his release, Nick learns that the target of his affections has another admirer, Chester (Shawn Ashmore), his no-nonsense parole officer.
    Matt Grobar, Deadline, 4 June 2025

Browse Nearby Words

Podcast

Cite this Entry

“Predilection.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/predilection. Accessed 10 Jun. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on predilection

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

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