TENDENCY Synonyms: 99 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: How is the word 'tendency' different from other nouns like it?

Some common synonyms of tendency are current , drift , tenor , and trend . While all these words mean "movement in a particular direction," tendency implies an inclination sometimes amounting to an impelling force. // a general tendency toward inflation

Q: In what contexts can 'current' take the place of 'tendency'?

Although the words current and tendency have much in common, current implies a clearly defined but not necessarily unalterable course. // an encounter that changed the current of my life

Q: When is it sensible to use 'drift' instead of 'tendency'?

In some situations, the words drift and tendency are roughly equivalent. However, drift may apply to a tendency determined by external forces, or it may apply to an underlying or obscure trend of meaning or discourse. // the drift of the population away from large cities // got the drift of her argument

Q: Where would 'tenor' be a reasonable alternative to 'tendency'?

The synonyms tenor and tendency are sometimes interchangeable, but tenor stresses a clearly perceptible direction and a continuous, undeviating course. // the tenor of the times

Q: When can 'trend' be used instead of 'tendency'?

The words trend and tendency can be used in similar contexts, but trend applies to the general direction maintained by a winding or irregular course. // the long-term trend of the stock market is upward

tendency

noun

ˈten-dən(t)-sē

Definition of tendency next

as in proneness

an established pattern of behavior a tendency to drop things a tendency to make snap judgments

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in trend

a prevailing or general movement or inclination we'll be seeing a tendency for skirt lengths to get shorter this coming season

Synonyms & Similar Words

as in inclination

a habitual attraction to some activity or thing a youth with a natural tendency toward arts and crafts instead of sports

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

How is the word tendency different from other nouns like it?

Some common synonyms of tendency are current, drift, tenor, and trend. While all these words mean "movement in a particular direction," tendency implies an inclination sometimes amounting to an impelling force.

a general tendency toward inflation

In what contexts can current take the place of tendency?

Although the words current and tendency have much in common, current implies a clearly defined but not necessarily unalterable course.

an encounter that changed the current of my life

When is it sensible to use drift instead of tendency?

In some situations, the words drift and tendency are roughly equivalent. However, drift may apply to a tendency determined by external forces, or it may apply to an underlying or obscure trend of meaning or discourse.

the drift of the population away from large cities

got the drift of her argument

Where would tenor be a reasonable alternative to tendency?

The synonyms tenor and tendency are sometimes interchangeable, but tenor stresses a clearly perceptible direction and a continuous, undeviating course.

the tenor of the times

When can trend be used instead of tendency?

The words trend and tendency can be used in similar contexts, but trend applies to the general direction maintained by a winding or irregular course.

the long-term trend of the stock market is upward

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 tendency Until recently there was a tendency to believe acne was mostly a teenage condition. —

Jennifer Weil, WWD, 26 Nov. 2024 The rodent-like purple creature has a tendency to store everything from acorns to magical devices inside his deceptively big cheeks – a habit that was born from one of Ramirez’s early drawings. —

Katcy Stephan, Variety, 23 Nov. 2024 Against East Carolina on Oct. 19, knowing its opponent had two weeks to prepare, Army was equipped to flip its season-long tendencies and run offense out of the shotgun twice as much as usual. —

Brian Hamilton, The Athletic, 21 Nov. 2024 But here, Huppert channels Hong’s impish tendencies with purposeful awkwardness. —

David Opie, IndieWire, 21 Nov. 2024 See all Example Sentences for tendency

Recent Examples of Synonyms for tendency

Noun

Hollywood veteran Al Pacino joined the trend with a distinctive satin dark green finish, while other celebrities have kept things classic.

Yaakov Katz, Newsweek, 29 Nov. 2024
Our fashion editors are loving the wide-leg jean trend, so effortless to style with cardigans, button-downs, and leather jackets on top, and loafers, kitten heals, and slim sneakers at the bottom.

Jenifer Calle, Glamour, 29 Nov. 2024