Synonyms of propensity

propensity

noun

prə-ˈpen(t)-sə-tē 

1

as in tendency

an established pattern of behavior

the criminal propensities of the family extended over several generations

Synonyms & Similar Words

• tendency
• proneness
• way
• aptness
• proclivity
• predilection
• predisposition
• penchant
• inclination
• affinity
• aptitude
• disposition
• practice
• habit
• turn
• partiality
• bent
• practise
• pattern
• mind-set
• custom
• eccentricity
• idiosyncrasy
• peculiarity
• routine
• quirk
• wont
• singularity
• trick
• leaning
• oddity

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• dislike
• disinclination
• indisposition
• averseness

2

as in inclination

a habitual attraction to some activity or thing

a neighbor who has an unfortunate propensity for snooping

Synonyms & Similar Words

• tendency
• inclination
• aptitude
• devices
• affinity
• proclivity
• affection
• predilection
• penchant
• predisposition
• knack
• impulse
• disposition
• bias
• talent
• preference
• addiction
• partiality
• bent
• genius
• bone
• appetite
• turn
• gift
• leaning
• habitude
• prejudice
• flair
• liking
• partisanship
• fondness
• endowment
• taste
• habit
• favor
• faculty
• like
• practice
• one-sidedness
• eccentricity
• practise
• idiosyncrasy
• speciality
• pattern
• specialty
• fancy
• forte
• peculiarity
• quirk
• custom
• singularity
• convention
• wont
• routine
• trick
• way
• kink
• oddity

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• aversion
• distaste
• dislike
• disinclination
• allergy
• neutrality
• disfavor
• objectivity
• indifference
• detachment
• impartiality
• averseness
• disliking
• disrelish
• apathy
• nonchalance
• unconcern
• disinterestedness
• insouciance

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

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of propensity

When a town is designated a village, the name has the propensity to conjure the anachronism of a time before now. —Mandi Wright, Freep.com, 26 Aug. 2025

The propensity to adopt specialized software for every sub-function of the finance function appears to be acute… and AI may well exacerbate this situation. —Adrian Bridgwater, Forbes.com, 26 Aug. 2025

The team has shown a propensity for rethinking classic stories and IP in fresh ways, and on top of Knight Rider and Karate Kid/Cobra Kai, the trio has also tackled a spinoff of 1980s classic Ferris Bueller’s Day Off for Paramount. —Borys Kit, HollywoodReporter, 26 Aug. 2025

This approach, mobilizing low-propensity voters, has proven successful in the past for grassroots groups in the state of Georgia. —Josh Hammer, MSNBC Newsweek, 25 Aug. 2025

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