prepossession

ˌprē-pə-ˈze-shən

Synonym Chooser

How does the noun prepossession contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of prepossession are bias, predilection, and prejudice. While all these words mean "an attitude of mind that predisposes one to favor something," prepossession suggests a fixed conception likely to preclude objective judgment of anything counter to it.

a prepossession against technology

When can bias be used instead of prepossession?

The meanings of bias and prepossession largely overlap; however, bias implies an unreasoned and unfair distortion of judgment in favor of or against a person or thing.

a strong bias toward the plaintiff

Where would predilection be a reasonable alternative to prepossession?

Although the words predilection and prepossession have much in common, predilection implies a strong liking deriving from one's temperament or experience.

a predilection for travel

In what contexts can prejudice take the place of prepossession?

In some situations, the words prejudice and prepossession are roughly equivalent. However, prejudice usually implies an unfavorable prepossession and connotes a feeling rooted in suspicion, fear, or intolerance.

a mindless prejudice against the unfamiliar

Examples Sentences

Recent Examples of Synonyms for prepossession
Noun
  • The previous truth exists as a thorough rejection of modern economic theory promoted by individuals within the Keynesian, monetarist, and Austrian schools.
    John Tamny, Forbes, 12 Jan. 2025
  • Besides the fact that the case against Combs is ongoing, many of these theories do not take into account that there are not-famous people who live in L.A. whose homes are also being destroyed.
    CT Jones, Rolling Stone, 10 Jan. 2025
Noun
  • To dismiss concerns about it as some kind of partisan obsession.
    Ted Johnson, Deadline, 6 Jan. 2025
  • Is this tied in at all with Rob’s obsession with historical accuracy?
    Chris O'Falt, IndieWire, 6 Jan. 2025
Noun
  • Humans will glance at another human and make a broad assumption about the emotional state of that person by merely observing their face.
    Lance Eliot, Forbes, 10 Jan. 2025
  • But the officials and victims assembled in the Situation Room considered whether this assumption was really valid.
    Shane Harris, The Atlantic, 10 Jan. 2025
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.

Thesaurus Entries Near prepossession

Cite this Entry

“Prepossession.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/prepossession. Accessed 21 Jan. 2025.

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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