Synonym Chooser

How does the noun proclivity contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of proclivity are leaning, penchant, and propensity. While all these words mean "a strong instinct or liking for something," proclivity suggests a strong natural proneness usually to something objectionable or evil.

a proclivity for violence

When is it sensible to use leaning instead of proclivity?

While in some cases nearly identical to proclivity, leaning suggests a liking or attraction not strong enough to be decisive or uncontrollable.

a student with artistic leanings

Where would penchant be a reasonable alternative to proclivity?

The words penchant and proclivity can be used in similar contexts, but penchant implies a strongly marked taste in the person or an irresistible attraction in the object.

a penchant for taking risks

In what contexts can propensity take the place of proclivity?

The words propensity and proclivity are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, propensity implies a deeply ingrained and usually irresistible inclination.

a propensity to offer advice

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 proclivity The direction adopted by Santa Monica Studio ushered an absurd amount of games that prioritized violence and gritty proclivities. Diego Argüello, Rolling Stone, 22 Mar. 2025 Tesla is having a rough go of it, thanks to Elon Musk’s far-right proclivities. Anita Chabria, Los Angeles Times, 20 Mar. 2025 Prince George may have inherited a double dose of artistic proclivities from his mother Kate Middleton and grandfather King Charles. Janine Henni, People.com, 20 Feb. 2025 My proclivity to shop is surprising to no one, least of all me, but what was surprising was that I had been influenced by a TV show that is, on its face, about the sweaty, masculine, occasionally gaudy world of professional basketball. Sam Reed, Glamour, 28 Feb. 2025 See All Example Sentences for proclivity
Recent Examples of Synonyms for proclivity
Noun
  • According to Limon-Rocha, various life stressors—such as starting a new school, being bullied, losing a beloved pet, or having a family member with health issues—can all trigger perfectionist tendencies.
    Sherri Gordon, Parents, 17 Apr. 2025
  • The tendency in the forecast has been for the front to set up across southeast portions of the Kansas City forecast area.
    Robert A. Cronkleton, Kansas City Star, 17 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • Stolarz’s inclination to shout instructions at teammates on the ice, often with serious levels of hostility in the name of competition, comes to him naturally.
    Joshua Kloke, New York Times, 8 Apr. 2025
  • Tariffs are designed for a combination of reasons, including protecting domestic markets; inviting foreign investment; and becoming more effective using capabilities, inclinations, and talents in other parts of the world.
    Erik Sherman, Forbes.com, 7 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • Because some teams, roles and individuals may have natural aptitudes for different setups.
    Eric Hutto, Forbes.com, 16 Apr. 2025
  • And that team happens to desperately need a player like Luka, with not just great basketball aptitude but with presence and personality – star power!
    Mirjam Swanson, Orange County Register, 6 Mar. 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
  • Preacher Boy shows off his heavenly voice and affinity for jazz music, but his father, an actual preacher, rebukes the genre as the devil’s music, like most good Christians did back then.
    Kathleen Newman-Bremang, Refinery29, 18 Apr. 2025
  • Search results that factor in individual shopper preferences – such as brand affinity, size, fit, price range, and past purchase history – yield double the clickthrough rate of less personalized results.
    Andrea Wasserman, Forbes.com, 16 Apr. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Proclivity.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/proclivity. Accessed 24 Apr. 2025.

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