PROCLIVITY Synonyms: 77 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: How does the noun 'proclivity' contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of proclivity are leaning , penchant , and propensity . While all these words mean "a strong instinct or liking for something," proclivity suggests a strong natural proneness usually to something objectionable or evil. // a proclivity for violence

Q: When is it sensible to use 'leaning' instead of 'proclivity'?

While in some cases nearly identical to proclivity , leaning suggests a liking or attraction not strong enough to be decisive or uncontrollable. // a student with artistic leanings

Q: Where would 'penchant' be a reasonable alternative to 'proclivity'?

The words penchant and proclivity can be used in similar contexts, but penchant implies a strongly marked taste in the person or an irresistible attraction in the object. // a penchant for taking risks

Q: In what contexts can 'propensity' take the place of 'proclivity'?

The words propensity and proclivity are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, propensity implies a deeply ingrained and usually irresistible inclination. // a propensity to offer advice

proclivity

noun

prō-ˈkli-və-tē

Definition of proclivity next

as in tendency

a habitual attraction to some activity or thing showed artistic proclivities at an early age

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How does the noun proclivity contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of proclivity are leaning, penchant, and propensity. While all these words mean "a strong instinct or liking for something," proclivity suggests a strong natural proneness usually to something objectionable or evil.

a proclivity for violence

When is it sensible to use leaning instead of proclivity?

While in some cases nearly identical to proclivity, leaning suggests a liking or attraction not strong enough to be decisive or uncontrollable.

a student with artistic leanings

Where would penchant be a reasonable alternative to proclivity?

The words penchant and proclivity can be used in similar contexts, but penchant implies a strongly marked taste in the person or an irresistible attraction in the object.

a penchant for taking risks

In what contexts can propensity take the place of proclivity?

The words propensity and proclivity 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 proclivity Biden’s festive holiday attire during the last few weeks of the season showcased the first lady’s proclivity for staple winter wardrobe pieces and modern spins of sparkle. —

Julia Teti, WWD, 23 Dec. 2024 And there is some fear, too, that Trump’s wealthy Cabinet picks might not be investing much in local real estate at all — given Trump’s proclivity for holding court from Palm Beach. —

Kim Velsey, Curbed, 27 Nov. 2024 Over the course of the last few weeks, the royal demonstrated her proclivity for adaptable fashion. —

Julia Teti, WWD, 20 Nov. 2024 Espace Niemeyer, the funky headquarters of the French Communist Party in Paris, was host to an event Thursday night that incited materialist proclivities. —

Miles Socha, WWD, 6 Dec. 2024 See all Example Sentences for proclivity

Recent Examples of Synonyms for proclivity

Noun

There is an uncomfortable tendency in tennis to give male coaching teams the credit for their player’s success.

— Matthew Futterman, The Athletic, 23 Jan. 2025
While many artists of her generation were fascinated by similar themes, her work has repeatedly proven difficult to classify, conforming to no single movement or tendency.

— Alex Greenberger, ARTnews.com, 22 Jan. 2025