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

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 Still, regardless of the rhetoric or DEI's removal, America will never achieve true exceptionalism without eschewing its penchant for rewarding white mediocrity. —

Thomas G. Moukawsher, Newsweek, 30 Jan. 2025 That penchant for making things happen has led her to managing the beverage programs at Haberdish, Supperland and Ever Andalo, all at once. —

Heidi Finley, Charlotte Observer, 30 Jan. 2025 What Ross thinks of Trump 2.0 Perhaps no individual is more familiar with Trump’s penchant for tariffs than Wilbur Ross, who served as Commerce secretary for all four years of Trump’s first term. —

Brett Samuels, The Hill, 29 Jan. 2025 At times, his penchant for defensive gambles puts him and the team in precarious positions, causing a domino effect. —

Kelly Iko, The Athletic, 24 Jan. 2025 See all Example Sentences for penchant

Recent Examples of Synonyms for penchant

Noun

Poppies have a tendency to self-sow or naturalize in the garden.

— Joshua Siskin, Orange County Register, 15 Feb. 2025
The enclosures surround the vehicles’ lithium ion batteries, which have a tendency to spontaneously ignite at extremely hot temperatures that are difficult for firefighters to suppress.

— Katherine Love, Forbes, 13 Feb. 2025