INCLINE Synonyms: 54 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: How is the word 'incline' different from other verbs like it?

Some common synonyms of incline are bias , dispose , and predispose . While all these words mean "to influence one to have or take an attitude toward something," incline implies a tendency to favor one of two or more actions or conclusions. // I incline to agree

Q: In what contexts can 'bias' take the place of 'incline'?

In some situations, the words bias and incline are roughly equivalent. However, bias suggests a settled and predictable leaning in one direction and connotes unfair prejudice. // the experience biased him against foreigners

Q: When could 'dispose' be used to replace 'incline'?

The words dispose and incline can be used in similar contexts, but dispose suggests an affecting of one's mood or temper so as to incline one toward something. // her nature disposes her to trust others

Q: When would 'predispose' be a good substitute for 'incline'?

The words predispose and incline are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, predispose implies the operation of a disposing influence well in advance of the opportunity to manifest itself. // does fictional violence predispose them to accept real violence?

incline 1 of 2

noun

ˈin-ˌklīn

Definition of incline next

as in slope

the degree to which something rises up from a position level with the horizon the steep incline of the hill meant that it was impossible to ride a bicycle up it

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

incline

2 of 2

verb

in-ˈklīn

as in to slope

to set or cause to be at an angle carefully inclined the ladder against the house

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in to tend

to show a liking or proneness (for something) a good restaurant for diners who incline to spicy food

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

How is the word incline different from other verbs like it?

Some common synonyms of incline are bias, dispose, and predispose. While all these words mean "to influence one to have or take an attitude toward something," incline implies a tendency to favor one of two or more actions or conclusions.

I incline to agree

In what contexts can bias take the place of incline?

In some situations, the words bias and incline are roughly equivalent. However, bias suggests a settled and predictable leaning in one direction and connotes unfair prejudice.

the experience biased him against foreigners

When could dispose be used to replace incline?

The words dispose and incline can be used in similar contexts, but dispose suggests an affecting of one's mood or temper so as to incline one toward something.

her nature disposes her to trust others

When would predispose be a good substitute for incline?

The words predispose and incline are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, predispose implies the operation of a disposing influence well in advance of the opportunity to manifest itself.

does fictional violence predispose them to accept real violence?

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 incline

Noun

Its compact size and 5% incline add a little extra challenge to her day, all while fitting seamlessly into her workspace. —

Laura Lajiness Kaupke, Glamour, 16 Sep. 2024 According to Thomson, a 12% incline is a good benchmark that runners should look for in a treadmill. —

Leigh Weingus, SELF, 10 Sep. 2024

Verb

But the court may be inclined to act in cases that couldn't have been resolved sooner or where lower-court rulings could have dramatic consequences. —

Catherine Cole, CBS News, 28 Oct. 2024 Some on Wall Street worried that the increase in yields means the economy is heating up again, and the Federal Reserve won’t be inclined to make more rate cuts. —

Julie Coleman, CNBC, 21 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for incline

Recent Examples of Synonyms for incline

Noun

Full load on steep slopes almost seems to hint at a dirt bike, but surely an 890cc V-twin in the slippery stuff would simply become unmanageable.

Michael Teo Van Runkle, Forbes, 31 Oct. 2024
Aspen’s swath of five-star resorts, boutique hotels, and world-famous ski and snowboarding slopes make for a winter wonderland that keeps giving even after the holidays (and well into spring).

Will Porter, Architectural Digest, 31 Oct. 2024