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 Elsesser mentions his natural collector’s streak and inclination toward abundance. — Jeff Weiss, Los Angeles Times, 7 Sep. 2026 Isar officials did not immediately specify the exact altitude and inclination of the Spectrum rocket’s final orbit. — Stephen Clark, ArsTechnica, 6 Sep. 2026 Hagerman isn’t the only one balancing an inclination to see the world with the pinch of higher prices. — Alex Harring, CNBC, 5 Sep. 2026 The film’s procedural aspect ticks along just fine, holding the attention without subverting expectations, and carried by actors who, much like the detectives in this case, are ultra-capable professionals with no inclination to go rogue on us. — Guy Lodge, Variety, 28 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for inclination
Recent Examples of Synonyms for inclination
Noun
  • Digital life has turned this psychological tendency into a permanent condition.
    — Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 22 Sep. 2026
  • The poem is about this tendency toward earth, the temptation—the closest thing to bliss in these poems—to abandon yourself to the funk of the soil and the heat of the sun.
    — Max Norman, Harpers Magazine, 22 Sep. 2026
Noun
  • With every whimper, sigh, howl, bark and head tilt, these dogs create an empathetic portrayal of a highly intelligent creature that has been through battle and has the scars (and nightmares) to prove it.
    — Katie Walsh, Los Angeles Times, 24 Sep. 2026
  • The Parthenon’s columns famously have a slight inward tilt toward the roof and bulge at the center, which some people theorize balances out the curved stylobate.
    — Emma Gometz, Scientific American, 22 Sep. 2026
Noun
  • As winds are forced up to 13,000 feet along the steep slopes of Mauna Loa and Mauna Kea, rapidly condensing air will squeeze out extra precipitation thanks to orographic lift.
    — Sean Macaday, Sacbee.com, 23 Sep. 2026
  • Its lower slopes are associated with fire, while the deity enshrined at its summit is linked to water.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 23 Sep. 2026
Noun
  • But their aptitude and affection for the sport would be passed down through two different families in two different states, from one generation to the next, before reaching Luke and his brothers.
    — Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 17 Sep. 2026
  • Training can improve technique and consistency, but leaders should also be honest about the role of natural aptitude.
    — Matthew Darienzo, Forbes.com, 14 Sep. 2026
Noun
  • Waiting until cases are clearly on a sharp incline can mean protection will come too late.
    — Beth Mole, ArsTechnica, 9 Sep. 2026
  • The ride takes visitors up a 100-foot incline before sending them downhill at speeds exceeding 50 mph.
    — Angelique Brenes, PEOPLE, 8 Sep. 2026
Noun
  • Underwater solar power The researchers were looking to ways to power up underwater sensors, cameras, detectors, communication systems and other such devices using solar energy.
    — Ameya Paleja, Interesting Engineering, 21 Sep. 2026
  • Before your treatment, find out what products and devices will be used, the recovery process, and potential complications.
    — Anna Haines, Condé Nast Traveler, 21 Sep. 2026
Noun
  • The moment highlights Ali’s affinity for fashion, often captured through WWD’s lens, which, like his presence in the ring, is rendered with precision through Parks’ exacting gaze.
    — Tonya Blazio-Licorish, Footwear News, 24 Sep. 2026
  • But his affinity for American writing was, at heart, existential.
    — Max Norman, Harpers Magazine, 22 Sep. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Inclination.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/inclination. Accessed 28 Sep. 2026.

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