Synonym Chooser

How does the noun proclivity contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of proclivity are leaning, penchant, and propensity. While all these words mean "a strong instinct or liking for something," proclivity suggests a strong natural proneness usually to something objectionable or evil.

a proclivity for violence

When is it sensible to use leaning instead of proclivity?

While in some cases nearly identical to proclivity, leaning suggests a liking or attraction not strong enough to be decisive or uncontrollable.

a student with artistic leanings

Where would penchant be a reasonable alternative to proclivity?

The words penchant and proclivity can be used in similar contexts, but penchant implies a strongly marked taste in the person or an irresistible attraction in the object.

a penchant for taking risks

In what contexts can propensity take the place of proclivity?

The words propensity and proclivity are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, propensity implies a deeply ingrained and usually irresistible inclination.

a propensity to offer advice

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 proclivity Our proclivity to notice negative stimuli has been tied to the notion that there are evolutionary adaptive benefits to being able to detect risk and avoid harm. Ellen Choi, Forbes, 9 Oct. 2024 In a possible hint at a new proclivity, the Princess of Wales was without her iconic sapphire and diamond engagement ring, which previously belonged to her late mother-in-law, Princess Diana. Janine Henni, People.com, 10 Oct. 2024 The results said much about the foundational beliefs that serve as antecedents to their voting proclivities. Dr. Marcus Collins, Forbes, 10 Oct. 2024 Throughout the last few months, Vice President Kamala Harris has demonstrated her proclivity for the trend, elevating power suiting moments by wearing designer looks like Chloé during the Democratic National Convention last August. Julia Teti, WWD, 1 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for proclivity 
Recent Examples of Synonyms for proclivity
Noun
  • There was a tendency in the local scene toward one-upmanship in terms of how many cylinders a builder could wedge into these machines, and at some point Whitelock decided to take the idea to its logical conclusion and end the arms race once and for all.
    New Atlas, New Atlas, 4 Nov. 2024
  • Looking elegantly windblown in a sweater, her mass of hair cascading like the precious garland of some Irish deity, Farrow has a tendency to trail off in conversation.
    Charles McNulty, Los Angeles Times, 4 Nov. 2024
Noun
  • Smullen’s inclinations here reek of resentment rather than a healthier competitiveness that would drive him to bring a solid case against his main suspect.
    Sophie Brookover, Vulture, 31 Oct. 2024
  • Although the natural inclination is to think of a marathon as something done on foot, or by people who are known as ambulatory, the NYC Marathon does have a program for the race that’s inclusive of wheelchair users.
    Steven Aquino, Forbes, 31 Oct. 2024
Noun
  • The same was true in HandBrake, as well as Geekbench, which measures overall aptitude at daily productivity tasks.
    Brian Westover, PCMAG, 7 Nov. 2024
  • Which is where Josephina shows her natural aptitude for the job, owning a standing target at the firing range and demonstrating a rapid-fire mastery of boots-on-the-ground directives in the noise-torture obstacle course or whatever.
    Andy Andersen, Vulture, 1 Nov. 2024
Noun
  • Testers tipped over the space heaters to test the auto shutoff, noted hot surfaces on each heater, and tested connectivity via apps or smart devices when applicable.
    Katie Begley, People.com, 4 Oct. 2024
  • Some of the new security and privacy advances—live threat detection and cellular network defense, for example—may or may not hit Samsung devices on release.
    Zak Doffman, Forbes, 4 Oct. 2024
Noun
  • Millennial parents will especially love their child's affinity for this adorable blast from the past that's been redesigned to capture the hearts of a new generation.
    Kelsey Legg, ABC News, 5 Nov. 2024
  • Dramatically perched on a clifftop, overlooking the pearl waters of the Gulf of Oman, the resort reflects its affinity with Omani culture firstly in its architecture.
    Angelina Villa-Clarke, Forbes, 4 Nov. 2024

Podcast

Thesaurus Entries Near proclivity

Cite this Entry

“Proclivity.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/proclivity. Accessed 21 Nov. 2024.

More from Merriam-Webster on proclivity

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!