prepossession

ˌprē-pə-ˈze-shən

Synonym Chooser

How does the noun prepossession contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of prepossession are bias, predilection, and prejudice. While all these words mean "an attitude of mind that predisposes one to favor something," prepossession suggests a fixed conception likely to preclude objective judgment of anything counter to it.

a prepossession against technology

When can bias be used instead of prepossession?

The meanings of bias and prepossession largely overlap; however, bias implies an unreasoned and unfair distortion of judgment in favor of or against a person or thing.

a strong bias toward the plaintiff

Where would predilection be a reasonable alternative to prepossession?

Although the words predilection and prepossession have much in common, predilection implies a strong liking deriving from one's temperament or experience.

a predilection for travel

In what contexts can prejudice take the place of prepossession?

In some situations, the words prejudice and prepossession are roughly equivalent. However, prejudice usually implies an unfavorable prepossession and connotes a feeling rooted in suspicion, fear, or intolerance.

a mindless prejudice against the unfamiliar

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of Synonyms for prepossession
Noun
  • But actually, Darwin’s theory is based on fitness to survive, which does not always mean big and strong.
    Jamie Lang, Variety, 17 Feb. 2025
  • For highly social animals like humans and other primates, the native opioid system may also play a role in social bonding, according to one influential theory.
    Moises Velasquez-Manoff Robert Petkoff Emma Kehlbeck Zak Mouton, New York Times, 16 Feb. 2025
Noun
  • The 10-episode series greenlit in November, is described as a tense, Hitchcockian thriller and an examination of America’s obsession with true crime in the 21st century.
    Rosy Cordero, Deadline, 11 Feb. 2025
  • Now, watch RuPaul's Drag Race stars spill secrets: Shop all of our latest obsessions in one place!
    Jolene Edgar, Allure, 11 Feb. 2025
Noun
  • And so is having people around you who can argue with you and question your assumptions.
    Mike Fleming Jr, Deadline, 14 Feb. 2025
  • Our analysis also makes some other conservative assumptions given the policy’s uncertainty.
    Emily Badger, New York Times, 14 Feb. 2025
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.

Thesaurus Entries Near prepossession

Cite this Entry

“Prepossession.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/prepossession. Accessed 20 Feb. 2025.

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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