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 next

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

Examples 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 Call of Duty has a penchant for reusing prime assets, and both Treyarch and Raven Software are best known for masterminding CoD Zombies. —

Matt Gardner, Forbes, 27 Oct. 2024 In particular, the couple have a special penchant for tatami—a traditional woven rush mat found in most Japanese ryokans. —

John Wogan, Architectural Digest, 25 Oct. 2024 The fallout from the Madison Square Garden event risked highlighting voters’ concerns about Trump’s rhetoric and penchant for controversy in the closing stretch as both campaigns are scrambling for votes. —

Michael Rubinkam, Fortune, 30 Oct. 2024 Of note, for instance, was his being reportedly questioned three times by police in the Nineties regarding his penchant for brandishing a gun in his neighborhood (and eventually being charged for firing into the air at what turned out to be an undercover police squad). —

Yiyun Li, Harper's Magazine, 23 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for penchant

Recent Examples of Synonyms for penchant

Noun

And while her tendency to deviate from what’s considered professional is a major archetype of her personality, there’s much more to Ava that other people in leadership roles can learn from.

Ile-Ife Okantah, Vulture, 13 Nov. 2024
The sulfur particles, on the other hand, ranked second to last because of their tendency to absorb sunlight at certain wavelengths rather than reflect it and its clumpiness.

Devika Rao, theweek, 12 Nov. 2024