PENCHANT Synonyms: 77 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: How does the noun 'penchant' contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of penchant are leaning , proclivity , and propensity . While all these words mean "a strong instinct or liking for something," penchant implies a strongly marked taste in the person or an irresistible attraction in the object. // a penchant for taking risks

Q: When might 'leaning' be a better fit than 'penchant'?

The meanings of leaning and penchant largely overlap; however, leaning suggests a liking or attraction not strong enough to be decisive or uncontrollable. // a student with artistic leanings

Q: When would 'proclivity' be a good substitute for 'penchant'?

The synonyms proclivity and penchant are sometimes interchangeable, but proclivity suggests a strong natural proneness usually to something objectionable or evil. // a proclivity for violence

Q: Where would 'propensity' be a reasonable alternative to 'penchant'?

The words propensity and penchant are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, propensity implies a deeply ingrained and usually irresistible inclination. // a propensity to offer advice

penchant

noun

ˈpen-chənt

Definition of penchant

as in tendency

a habitual attraction to some activity or thing a penchant for sitting by the window and staring moodily off into space

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How does the noun penchant contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of penchant are leaning, proclivity, and propensity. While all these words mean "a strong instinct or liking for something," penchant implies a strongly marked taste in the person or an irresistible attraction in the object.

a penchant for taking risks

When might leaning be a better fit than penchant?

The meanings of leaning and penchant largely overlap; however, leaning suggests a liking or attraction not strong enough to be decisive or uncontrollable.

a student with artistic leanings

When would proclivity be a good substitute for penchant?

The synonyms proclivity and penchant are sometimes interchangeable, but proclivity suggests a strong natural proneness usually to something objectionable or evil.

a proclivity for violence

Where would propensity be a reasonable alternative to penchant?

The words propensity and penchant 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 penchant The Academy did not specifically name Ballal in a statement condemning violence. overnights Yesterday at 9:30 p.m. RuPaul’s Drag Race Recap: Mom and Pop Drag Race’s penchant for sentimentality ends up making for an entertaining and memorable episode. —Joe Reid, Vulture, 28 Mar. 2025 But that’s the premise of Grave Conversations, a series hosted by David Dastmalchian, an actor known for his penchant for the macabre. —Aaron Couch, HollywoodReporter, 28 Mar. 2025 Maryland barely escaped a ferocious Rams opponent seeking its first Sweet 16 since 1969 and will have to shore up its defense and rectify its penchant for falling into early deficits before facing No. 1 seed Florida. —Baltimore Sun Staff, Baltimore Sun, 24 Mar. 2025 Or maybe Winston will continue his maddening penchant for interceptions that led the No. 1 pick in the 2015 draft to flame out in Tampa Bay, New Orleans and Cleveland. —Dan Duggan, The Athletic, 22 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for penchant

Recent Examples of Synonyms for penchant

Noun

Traveling East might have been an appropriate tendency for early humans living in what is now Europe near the end of the Ice Age.

— Paul Smaglik, Discover Magazine, 4 Apr. 2025
Understanding Home Bias As mentioned before, home bias is the tendency to over-invest in your home country.

— Cicely Jones, Forbes.com, 4 Apr. 2025