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

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 predilection This year, only 32.8 percent of Democrats said yes—a substantial decline that comports with their political interests and ideological predilections. Ronald R. Krebs, Foreign Affairs, 28 Sep. 2021 But this is often undermined by the series’ predilection for smut. Lucy Ford, TIME, 24 Sep. 2024 With a predilection for anything mid-century, Recycling Retro in Woolwich is a must-stop for a quick browse. Jacqueline Dole, Travel + Leisure, 11 Sep. 2024 But hospital rankings benefit from a federal Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services with a predilection for data not shared by the Department of Education. Ryan Craig, Forbes, 6 Sep. 2024 See all Example Sentences for predilection 
Recent Examples of Synonyms for predilection
Noun
  • 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
  • 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
Noun
  • Credit card rewards function as a tax on those without credit cards and those with credit cards but without the ability or inclination to keep up with the panoply of options.
    David G.W. Birch, Forbes, 18 Dec. 2024
  • Hegseth himself has not shown any inclination toward a withdrawal.
    Ashleigh Fields, The Hill, 15 Dec. 2024
Noun
  • Eight dining venues showcase the hotel’s culinary aptitude.
    Joe Niehaus, Travel + Leisure, 9 Dec. 2024
  • Learning is divided into grades and separated by age and aptitude.
    Sara Novak, Discover Magazine, 12 Nov. 2024
Noun
  • Keeping the fridge powered along with essential mobile devices, fans, and heaters can keep people comfortable during unexpected power troubles.
    Tyler Shepherd, USA TODAY, 11 Dec. 2024
  • Efficacy of post-market therapeutics and devices to support effective regulatory approvals and reimbursements.
    Premier Contributor, Forbes, 11 Dec. 2024
Noun
  • Undoubtedly the hard work is paying off, as wines of depth, structure, and age-worthiness clearly show off Gamay’s affinity to this area.
    Paul Caputo, Forbes, 13 Dec. 2024
  • Leading up to the election, Zuckerberg had been gradually showing a closer affinity with Trump.
    Elisabeth Buchwald, CNN, 11 Dec. 2024
Noun
  • The object of his affection is a possibly straightish American named Eugene Allerton (Drew Starkey), who doesn’t always return his ardor in equal measure.
    Stephanie Zacharek, TIME, 13 Dec. 2024
  • While there may be something of a one-sided rivalry for her affections right now, Cook is keen to stress that baby and dog get along just great and that the bond will likely only get stronger as Espy grows up and learns more about her four-pawed playmate.
    Thomas G. Moukawsher, Newsweek, 12 Dec. 2024

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Thesaurus Entries Near predilection

Cite this Entry

“Predilection.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/predilection. Accessed 22 Dec. 2024.

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