Thesaurus results for PREDISPOSE

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

Some common synonyms of predispose are bias , dispose , and incline . While all these words mean "to influence one to have or take an attitude toward something," 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?

Q: When is it sensible to use 'bias' instead of 'predispose'?

The words bias and predispose are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, bias suggests a settled and predictable leaning in one direction and connotes unfair prejudice. // the experience biased him against foreigners

Q: When is 'dispose' a more appropriate choice than 'predispose'?

While the synonyms dispose and predispose are close in meaning, 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: Where would 'incline' be a reasonable alternative to 'predispose'?

While in some cases nearly identical to predispose , incline implies a tendency to favor one of two or more actions or conclusions. // I incline to agree

predispose

verb

Definition of predispose next

as in to influence

formal to cause (someone) to be more likely to behave in a particular way or to be affected by a particular condition Past experiences have predisposed her to distrust people. Researchers have identified a gene that may predispose some people to the disease.

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Synonym Chooser

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

Some common synonyms of predispose are bias, dispose, and incline. While all these words mean "to influence one to have or take an attitude toward something," 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?

When is it sensible to use bias instead of predispose?

The words bias and predispose are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, bias suggests a settled and predictable leaning in one direction and connotes unfair prejudice.

the experience biased him against foreigners

When is dispose a more appropriate choice than predispose?

While the synonyms dispose and predispose are close in meaning, dispose suggests an affecting of one's mood or temper so as to incline one toward something.

her nature disposes her to trust others

Where would incline be a reasonable alternative to predispose?

While in some cases nearly identical to predispose, incline implies a tendency to favor one of two or more actions or conclusions.

I incline to agree

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 predispose As an example, nutrients and vitamins like calcium and vitamin D are critical to ensure adequate bone health and to help prevent osteoporosis, a condition characterized by decreased bone mass that can predispose people to fracture their bones more easily. —

Omer Awan, Forbes, 1 Jan. 2025 The researchers bred mice that had short sleep genes with mice that carried genes predisposing them to Alzheimer’s. —

Marla Broadfoot, Smithsonian Magazine, 26 Dec. 2024 The study found that some Labradors have a DNA mutation predisposing them to weight gain. —

Paul Du Quenoy, Newsweek, 9 Dec. 2024 Karger believes there’s something about not just the ubiquity of the show but its sketch-comedy nature that can predispose voters against it. —

Mara Reinstein, The Hollywood Reporter, 18 Nov. 2024 See all Example Sentences for predispose

Recent Examples of Synonyms for predispose

Verb

Researchers accounted for factors that could influence the results, such as sleep duration, physical activity levels, smoking status, and diet quality.

— Stephanie Brown, Verywell Health, 18 Jan. 2025
Since Swift first showed support for the Chiefs, she's dramatically influenced the team's demographic, in addition to the NFL's audience as a whole.

— Skyler Caruso, People.com, 18 Jan. 2025