prepossession

ˌprē-pə-ˈze-shən

Synonym Chooser

How does the noun prepossession contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of prepossession are bias, predilection, and prejudice. While all these words mean "an attitude of mind that predisposes one to favor something," prepossession suggests a fixed conception likely to preclude objective judgment of anything counter to it.

a prepossession against technology

When can bias be used instead of prepossession?

The meanings of bias and prepossession largely overlap; however, bias implies an unreasoned and unfair distortion of judgment in favor of or against a person or thing.

a strong bias toward the plaintiff

Where would predilection be a reasonable alternative to prepossession?

Although the words predilection and prepossession have much in common, predilection implies a strong liking deriving from one's temperament or experience.

a predilection for travel

In what contexts can prejudice take the place of prepossession?

In some situations, the words prejudice and prepossession are roughly equivalent. However, prejudice usually implies an unfavorable prepossession and connotes a feeling rooted in suspicion, fear, or intolerance.

a mindless prejudice against the unfamiliar

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of Synonyms for prepossession
Noun
  • That’s just a theory, not a spoiler or even a prediction.
    Brian Mazique, Forbes.com, 18 Apr. 2025
  • The site goes on to advance the theory that COVID-19 originated in a Wuhan lab and undermines Trump’s political rivals like Joe Biden and Andrew Cuomo.
    Brian Niemietz, New York Daily News, 18 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • In terms of design, the waterfall look of the nightstands fits into today’s obsession with midcentury modern, and the curved effect makes the room feel that much more soft and relaxed.
    Bryce Jones, Better Homes & Gardens, 8 Apr. 2025
  • There's a flip side to this national obsession, however.
    Richard Edwards, Space.com, 12 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • Courts generally proceed on the assumption that government officials have acted properly.
    Ruth Marcus, New Yorker, 14 Apr. 2025
  • Even under the assumption Aaron Rodgers finally drops the charade and signs, the Steelers need to make some sort of effort to secure a young quarterback.
    Derrik Klassen, New York Times, 14 Apr. 2025
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.

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Cite this Entry

“Prepossession.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/prepossession. Accessed 23 Apr. 2025.

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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