incline 1 of 2

as in slope
the degree to which something rises up from a position level with the horizon the steep incline of the hill meant that it was impossible to ride a bicycle up it

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

incline

2 of 2

verb

1
as in to slope
to set or cause to be at an angle carefully inclined the ladder against the house

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

2
as in to tend
to show a liking or proneness (for something) a good restaurant for diners who incline to spicy food

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

How is the word incline different from other verbs like it?

Some common synonyms of incline are bias, dispose, and predispose. While all these words mean "to influence one to have or take an attitude toward something," incline implies a tendency to favor one of two or more actions or conclusions.

I incline to agree

In what contexts can bias take the place of incline?

In some situations, the words bias and incline are roughly equivalent. However, bias suggests a settled and predictable leaning in one direction and connotes unfair prejudice.

the experience biased him against foreigners

When could dispose be used to replace incline?

The words dispose and incline can be used in similar contexts, but dispose suggests an affecting of one's mood or temper so as to incline one toward something.

her nature disposes her to trust others

When would predispose be a good substitute for incline?

The words predispose and incline are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, predispose implies the operation of a disposing influence well in advance of the opportunity to manifest itself.

does fictional violence predispose them to accept real violence?

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 incline
Noun
Walk at an incline in a gym or add elevations such as hills or stairs to your route. Kristin Canning, Health, 22 Sep. 2024 The course is a beast, a short but absurdly hilly 18 holes of steep inclines and tight fairways. Brody Miller, The Athletic, 12 July 2024
Verb
Treadmill, which is marked down by $200, is conveniently able to auto-adjust speed and incline during iFit workouts. Suzy Forman, SELF, 1 Nov. 2024 The campaign provides the captains with a list of 25 people in local areas inclined to vote for the former president but who have not yet voted. Aaron Navarro, CBS News, 24 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for incline 
Recent Examples of Synonyms for incline
Noun
  • Sited atop a slope overlooking a popular park in Portland, Oregon, the home, originally designed by architect A.E. Doyle, features two distinct façades, which are landmarked.
    David Foxley, Architectural Digest, 20 Nov. 2024
  • Rescue and relief teams swiftly mobilized to the site of the accident, where the bus sat mangled on a rocky slope near a stream.
    David Faris, Newsweek, 4 Nov. 2024
Verb
  • The Earth is tilted approximately 23.5 degrees on its axis.
    Olivia Munson, USA TODAY, 27 Nov. 2024
  • This feature was a key factor in the most recent accident in October, when a Japanese self-defense forces Osprey abruptly tilted and struck the ground during takeoff.
    Dan Perry, Newsweek, 26 Nov. 2024
Verb
  • According to the report, most educators tend to base their lesson plans on nonpartisan sources like the Library of Congress and other federal museums, archives and institutions.
    Meilan Solly, Smithsonian Magazine, 27 Nov. 2024
  • These drugs tend to work effectively at low doses and act quickly.
    Anna Giorgi, Verywell Health, 27 Nov. 2024
Noun
  • In addition to evoking punk inclinations, this footwear option is designed with Moncler’s logo at the toe, elastic inserts at the front, and a rubber lug sole.
    Robyn Mowatt, Essence, 21 Nov. 2024
  • Also Thursday morning, new data showed the number of initial jobless claims falling to 216,000 last week, the lowest since May, as the impact of hurricanes faded and employers showed little inclination to lay off workers.
    Neil Irwin, Axios, 31 Oct. 2024
Verb
  • Hilty and Simard are perfectly paired, with the former going hysterically broad as Simard offers a contrasting approach, effectively leaning into the simmering madness of Helen.
    Frank Rizzo, Variety, 22 Nov. 2024
  • The film certainly leans into the idea that Macrinus killed Caracella, with Macrinus breaking Caracalla’s neck.
    Olivia B. Waxman, TIME, 22 Nov. 2024

Thesaurus Entries Near incline

Cite this Entry

“Incline.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/incline. Accessed 3 Dec. 2024.

More from Merriam-Webster on incline

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

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