Definition of inclinationnext
1
2
as in tilt
the act of positioning or an instance of being positioned at an angle the photographer adjusted the inclination of the sitter's head

Synonyms & Similar Words

3
as in slope
the degree to which something rises up from a position level with the horizon the inclination of the hill is gentle, so walking up it isn't too bad

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Example 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 inclination With the Mavericks yet to indicate an inclination for a Thompson buyout, another option for the Heat regarding Thompson would be a trade of forward Nikola Jovic, although the Heat do not appear inclined to move in such a direction. Ira Winderman, Sun Sentinel, 14 Aug. 2026 Salumeria 104 Come for Mediterranean vibes in a sidewalk cafe setting across from the sand at this Atlantic Beach restaurant—the inclination to sip an Aperol spritz and share a charcuterie platter is strong. Terry Ward, Travel + Leisure, 10 Aug. 2026 Putin will eventually leave office, whether by death, illness, or—against all observable inclinations—stepping aside. Julian G. Waller, Foreign Affairs, 7 Aug. 2026 The inclination to boycott an organization was fairly consistent across party lines—48% of Democrats and 40% of Republicans. Edward Segal, Forbes.com, 1 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for inclination
Recent Examples of Synonyms for inclination
Noun
  • Emery knows that his side are robust when battling adversity yet need to find a way to rectify blind spots in their game, such as the tendency to drift through certain matches and against specific tactical challenges.
    Jacob Tanswell, New York Times, 19 Aug. 2026
  • Catholics have frequently exemplified the best and worst tendencies of American society.
    Gustavo Arellano, Los Angeles Times, 19 Aug. 2026
Noun
  • To keep the arrays from catching the wind like sails, engineers mount the solar panels at much flatter tilt angles than those used in typical ground installations.
    Aman Tripathi, Interesting Engineering, 21 Aug. 2026
  • There will also be games when the matchup calls for a more offensive tilt, so of course, the Jaguars have a generalized plan for Hunter’s usage.
    Jeff Howe, New York Times, 21 Aug. 2026
Noun
  • Today, mature oaks and decades-old landscaping frame the slope from the home to the water and dock.
    David Caraccio, Sacbee.com, 22 Aug. 2026
  • The only redeeming aspect of the show happens here, on a ski slope, when their youngest daughter Valentina, who was born with Down syndrome, is treated to a lesson via an adaptive ski school.
    Lorraine Ali, Los Angeles Times, 21 Aug. 2026
Noun
  • Their scouting evaluation, comprehensive enough to unearth the aptitude beneath that bushy head of hair, compelled the team to select Bredeson in the fifth round of the 2026 draft.
    Alec Lewis, New York Times, 18 Aug. 2026
  • Always consider whether extra effort in the workplace is worth it, because there could be more effective ways to demonstrate your aptitude.
    Chris Dobstaff, Forbes.com, 17 Aug. 2026
Noun
  • The Pro version utilizes dual 250-W all-wheel-drive hubs to generate the torque to climb an impressive 15% hill incline.
    New Atlas, New Atlas, 20 Aug. 2026
  • Agriculture’s relative share in non-performing assets (NPAs) has been on a steady incline for at least a decade—often exacerbated when poor monsoons affect crop yields.
    Encyclopedia Britannica, Encyclopedia Britannica, 18 Aug. 2026
Noun
  • Apple's AirTag is among the popular devices that help people find their keys or other items.
    Nicholas Lentz, CBS News, 17 Aug. 2026
  • On July 28, the nearby city of Stoughton also voted to cancel its own Flock contract, paying a $12,500 early buyout fee after intense local opposition to the devices.
    Nate Anderson, ArsTechnica, 17 Aug. 2026
Noun
  • Settling that borders and distance cannot fail to erase the affinity and care that can arise in a mere meeting.
    Leo Barraclough, Variety, 19 Aug. 2026
  • The movie is inspired by Gavras’ affinity for mythology, having grown up listening to his father interweave tales with myths.
    Rebecca Aizin, PEOPLE, 19 Aug. 2026

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Inclination.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/inclination. Accessed 24 Aug. 2026.

More from Merriam-Webster on inclination

Love words? Need even more definitions?

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