PROPENSITY Synonyms: 81 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: How does the noun 'propensity' contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of propensity are leaning , penchant , and proclivity . While all these words mean "a strong instinct or liking for something," propensity implies a deeply ingrained and usually irresistible inclination. // a propensity to offer advice

Q: When is it sensible to use 'leaning' instead of 'propensity'?

The meanings of leaning and propensity largely overlap; however, leaning suggests a liking or attraction not strong enough to be decisive or uncontrollable. // a student with artistic leanings

Q: When can 'penchant' be used instead of 'propensity'?

The words penchant and propensity are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, penchant implies a strongly marked taste in the person or an irresistible attraction in the object. // a penchant for taking risks

Q: When could 'proclivity' be used to replace 'propensity'?

The synonyms proclivity and propensity are sometimes interchangeable, but proclivity suggests a strong natural proneness usually to something objectionable or evil. // a proclivity for violence

propensity

noun

prə-ˈpen(t)-sə-tē

Definition of propensity next

as in tendency

an established pattern of behavior the criminal propensities of the family extended over several generations

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in inclination

a habitual attraction to some activity or thing a neighbor who has an unfortunate propensity for snooping

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

How does the noun propensity contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of propensity are leaning, penchant, and proclivity. While all these words mean "a strong instinct or liking for something," propensity implies a deeply ingrained and usually irresistible inclination.

a propensity to offer advice

When is it sensible to use leaning instead of propensity?

The meanings of leaning and propensity largely overlap; however, leaning suggests a liking or attraction not strong enough to be decisive or uncontrollable.

a student with artistic leanings

When can penchant be used instead of propensity?

The words penchant and propensity are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, penchant implies a strongly marked taste in the person or an irresistible attraction in the object.

a penchant for taking risks

When could proclivity be used to replace propensity?

The synonyms proclivity and propensity are sometimes interchangeable, but proclivity suggests a strong natural proneness usually to something objectionable or evil.

a proclivity for 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 propensity The propensity to look for good food and escape bad weather conditions is one of wildlife’s oldest adaptations and most often documented in more visible species like mule deer in the American West, wildebeest in Sub-Saharan Africa, and caribou in northern Canada. —

Christine Peterson, Vox, 23 Dec. 2024 China has an exceedingly high savings rate, which means a lower propensity to consume. —

Brendan Ahern, Forbes, 8 Jan. 2025 The picture is further complicated by the Kremlin’s propensity for both risk-taking and miscalculation. —

Andrea Kendall-Taylor, Foreign Affairs, 18 Dec. 2024 When Rosemary grew into adulthood, however, and began exhibiting violent tantrums and a propensity to wander from caretakers in the early 1940s, her father worried that men might take advantage of her. —

Josh Hammer, Newsweek, 3 Dec. 2024 See all Example Sentences for propensity

Recent Examples of Synonyms for propensity

Noun

There is an uncomfortable tendency in tennis to give male coaching teams the credit for their player’s success.

— Matthew Futterman, The Athletic, 23 Jan. 2025
While many artists of her generation were fascinated by similar themes, her work has repeatedly proven difficult to classify, conforming to no single movement or tendency.

— Alex Greenberger, ARTnews.com, 22 Jan. 2025