prepossession

ˌprē-pə-ˈze-shən
Definition of prepossessionnext

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
  • His practical advice fares better than both his theories and his pallid attempts at profundity.
    Becca Rothfeld, New Yorker, 30 Mar. 2026
  • Behavior change theory includes a tenant of measurement known as social norms.
    Matt Parrott, Arkansas Online, 29 Mar. 2026
Noun
  • Other contributing factors often include mendacity, obfuscation, obsession, moral bankruptcy, naïveté, misplaced loyalty or trust, and lapse of good judgment.
    Encyclopedia Britannica, Encyclopedia Britannica, 2 Apr. 2026
  • This year’s film, whose dynamic energy and biting humour adhere to the customary Looney Tunes tradition, finds Daffy Duck grappling with Elmer Fudd’s latest obsession – soccer – setting the stage for classic Looney Tunes chaos as Daffy Duck heads toward his milestone 90th anniversary in 2027.
    Kevin Giraud, Variety, 2 Apr. 2026
Noun
  • The relief will be reviewed monthly, raising questions about how long Pretoria can absorb external pressures without reopening budget assumptions.
    Tiisetso Motsoeneng, semafor.com, 1 Apr. 2026
  • The entire fiscal architecture of the developed world rests on the assumption that capital creates jobs and workers fund the lion's share of the state.
    Ravi Kumar S, MSNBC Newsweek, 1 Apr. 2026
Noun
  • Then last season’s nightmarish problems closing games carried over into 2026.
    Jim Barnes, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 29 Mar. 2026
  • Anything else is going to be a problem.
    N'dea Yancey-Bragg, USA Today, 29 Mar. 2026
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 4 Apr. 2026.

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