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

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 proclivity That proclivity for conversation is useful in such a species whose feeding habits depend on making collective use of a tree. —

Jessica Camille Aguirre, Smithsonian Magazine, 6 Jan. 2025 Yet over the course of the episode, Mescal’s dramatic proclivities created the evening’s more imaginative comedy. —

Amanda Wicks, The Atlantic, 8 Dec. 2024 When people do jump head-first into the unknown, Zander notes that the proclivity for structure is exactly how to break through the fear. —

Ethan Stone, USA TODAY, 27 Nov. 2024 Shapiro might not agree with all my libertarian proclivities, but his book bursts with opposition to tech mandates and opposition to tech bans. —

Clyde Wayne Crews Jr., Forbes, 12 Jan. 2025 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
So while the outcry over the severity of McDavid’s suspension may seem excessive to hockey fans outside Oil Country, the numbers suggest that the faithful do have a legitimate grievance about the officials’ tendency to look the other way.

— Carol Schram, Forbes, 22 Jan. 2025