Definition of inclinationnext
1
2
as in tilt
the act of positioning or an instance of being positioned at an angle the photographer adjusted the inclination of the sitter's head

Synonyms & Similar Words

3
as in slope
the degree to which something rises up from a position level with the horizon the inclination of the hill is gentle, so walking up it isn't too bad

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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 inclination White has long shown an inclination for art. Andy Battaglia, ARTnews.com, 22 May 2026 That inclination for old-world glamour is still expressed at his Upper East Side atelier, which is decorated with art and antiques collected by Costa on his travels—and are available for clients to purchase. Eric Twardzik, Robb Report, 20 May 2026 Some heirloom tomato farmers don’t have the time, capital, or inclination to undergo this process. Emily Saladino, Bon Appetit Magazine, 19 May 2026 Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper, 57, or Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood, 45, are both often mentioned as possible firm hands who could steer the party, though neither has shown much inclination to enter the fray this time round. Alexander Smith, NBC news, 14 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for inclination
Recent Examples of Synonyms for inclination
Noun
  • There is still a tendency in tech to assume serious funding has to flow through San Francisco or New York, but capital is increasingly available in markets that historically sat outside the center of the venture ecosystem.
    Hebron Sher, Fortune, 29 May 2026
  • Overprivileged students had a tendency to see teachers and headmasters not as authority figures but as people of lower social standing.
    Thomas Adam, The Conversation, 29 May 2026
Noun
  • Earth’s tilt and orbit create seasons with wildly shifting temperatures.
    New Atlas, New Atlas, 25 May 2026
  • The ultrawide profile is immersive and well-designed, with a sturdy stand a height and tilt-adjustable base.
    K. Thor Jensen, PC Magazine, 24 May 2026
Noun
  • The Pendry in Park City, Utah, more known for its ski slopes, has seen a 15% uptick in summer demand compared to last year, says John Rolfs, the hotel’s general manager.
    Hannah Seligson, Vanity Fair, 23 May 2026
  • Over 200 miles of ski runs are a major appeal, yes, but there's plenty to do off the slopes.
    Anne Olivia Bauso, Travel + Leisure, 21 May 2026
Noun
  • Even if he was blown away by the aptitude of every member of a front office that has been here for the 22-45-1 run under Schoen, it still was expected that Harbaugh would bring in someone with ties to him from Baltimore.
    Dan Duggan, New York Times, 21 May 2026
  • For this class, the premise is that your purpose in life lies to the intersection of your values, your aptitudes and your interests.
    Dana Taylor, USA Today, 6 May 2026
Noun
  • An Oregon man also died on the incline in April 2025 after going into medical distress.
    Katie Langford, Denver Post, 23 May 2026
  • Be prepared for a few steep inclines (and, unfortunately, background traffic noise from a nearby road).
    Robert Annis, Midwest Living, 16 May 2026
Noun
  • Looking for more travel-friendly tech devices for your journey?
    Aly Walansky, Travel + Leisure, 29 May 2026
  • Nearby homes were evacuated during the investigation, and the bomb squad hauled out boxes of what were described as consumer-grade pyrotechnic devices, enough to fill more than three box trucks, according to investigators at the scene.
    City News Service, Daily News, 28 May 2026
Noun
  • Squarcialupi said the time is now ripe for the brand to cross borders, toward Spain and other Mediterranean countries that have affinities with Italy.
    Martino Carrera, Footwear News, 27 May 2026
  • Some souls simply have affinities with others, as Margaret is about to learn.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 26 May 2026

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Inclination.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/inclination. Accessed 30 May. 2026.

More from Merriam-Webster on inclination

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

More from Merriam-Webster