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 But no matter your predilection, there are a few essential ingredients that are beneficial for most winter skin problems. Claire Sullivan, WWD, 15 Jan. 2025 The angle here will be for those who wish to adroitly adopt a frugal perspective and carry that predilection into their daily endeavors in a sensible fashion. Lance Eliot, Forbes, 18 Jan. 2025 The six episodes present a brutal, fascinating depiction of a culture and a country that has yet to overcome its most violent predilections. Aramide Tinubu, Variety, 9 Jan. 2025 See All Example Sentences for predilection
Recent Examples of Synonyms for predilection
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
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
  • His and Hubbard's distinct approaches underscore the region’s aptitude for versatility.
    Nicole Kliest, Vogue, 24 Mar. 2025
  • According to the archaeologists, the transition from stone to bone was a feat of abstract thinking, requiring an aptitude in toolmaking and an appreciation that the knapping techniques that worked on one material would also work on another.
    Sam Walters, Discover Magazine, 5 Mar. 2025
Noun
  • In an unprecedented move, our public schools handed out hundreds of thousands of devices to help more than 1 million students continue to safely learn online with their teachers and classmates.
    Dr. Mitchell Katz, New York Daily News, 14 Mar. 2025
  • Efficient energy storage is crucial for the transition to a low-carbon economy, which can impact everything from grid-scale energy storage to electric vehicles and portable devices.
    Aman Tripathi, Interesting Engineering, 14 Mar. 2025
Noun
  • Seaside Park was known for many years as the site of the Gathering of the Vibes festivals, which had an affinity for the sounds and culture of the Grateful Dead.
    Christopher Arnott, Hartford Courant, 31 Mar. 2025
  • Characterized by: Increasing ability and increasing affinity.
    Cornelia C. Walther, Forbes.com, 29 Mar. 2025
Noun
  • Either way, to compare the outpouring of affection which accompanied his exit to what might happen to Alexander-Arnold when Liverpool wrap up this season at home against Crystal Palace on May 25 is short-sighted.
    Gregg Evans, New York Times, 4 Apr. 2025
  • In the short clip, the cat is seen gently sniffing and rubbing her snout against her new owner's face, a clear and immediate sign of affection and trust.
    Jason D. Greenblatt, MSNBC Newsweek, 2 Apr. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Predilection.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/predilection. Accessed 17 Apr. 2025.

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