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 Appealing to Trump’s penchant for superlatives, the Metropolitan Transportation Authority board made up largely of local politicians, including L.A. Mayor Karen Bass, sent a letter Thursday to the incoming president calling on his administration to set aside the funds in his 2026 federal budget. —

Rachel Uranga, Los Angeles Times, 27 Nov. 2024 Bulls also take confidence from Trump’s own penchant for using the stock market as a scoreboard for his success. —

Royce Branning, Fortune, 30 Nov. 2024 The most glaring example of Trump’s penchant for relying on acting heads centered around the Office of Management and Budget where Russell Vought served as acting director for a year and a half before winning full Senate confirmation. —

Alex Gangitano, The Hill, 30 Nov. 2024 Trump's penchant for protectionist trade policies is a source of concern for many economists and Wall Street analysts, who worry new tariffs and retaliatory measures by U.S. trade partners could slow economic growth, spur inflation and trigger a trade war. —

Aimee Picchi, CBS News, 26 Nov. 2024 See all Example Sentences for penchant

Recent Examples of Synonyms for penchant

Noun

The High Performer's Dilemma: A Focus on Gaps High achievers, particularly perfectionists, thrive on results and continuous improvement, which can lead to a tendency to dwell too long on shortcomings.

Luciana Paulise, Forbes, 12 Dec. 2024
Over his years on Days, Clyde committed murder, rape, and blackmail, displayed both homophobic and misogynistic tendencies, was thrown in and busted out of prison, and ran a drug ring.

Ryan Coleman, EW.com, 12 Dec. 2024