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 The 'meme-stock’ narrative suggests a probable inclination toward speculative call options. Trefis Team, Forbes.com, 23 Jan. 2026 The trick is to select a paint color that is calming and neutral enough so as not to be too visually demanding, while also speaking to your personal style and color inclinations. Patricia Shannon, Southern Living, 19 Jan. 2026 There is a natural inclination to assume some sniffiness in Brazil about English teams outside the biggest six or seven, typified recently by comments from Gabriel Barbosa, the former national team striker. Jack Lang, New York Times, 17 Jan. 2026 Ramírez attended the Liceo Fermín Toro, a public school with a reputation for revolutionary politics and catering to high-society families of slightly bohemian inclinations. Literary Hub, 16 Jan. 2026 See All Example Sentences for inclination
Recent Examples of Synonyms for inclination
Noun
  • If readers are at all uncertain of his sociopathic tendencies, Heathcliff then hangs his wife’s dog.
    Natasha O'Neill, Vanity Fair, 13 Feb. 2026
  • The Turkish experience also speaks to the tendency of diasporas to become politically frozen at the moment of departure from their home countries.
    Michael Paarlberg, The Conversation, 12 Feb. 2026
Noun
  • The reason lies in the tilt of the moon's orbit.
    Jamie Carter, Space.com, 13 Feb. 2026
  • From their playstyle wheel below, dominance in possession and territory (Field tilt, 86 out of 99) shows that Tudor prefers his side to be the protagonists on the ball, but what is most notable is their out-of-possession approach.
    Thom Harris, New York Times, 13 Feb. 2026
Noun
  • The ski slope was abandoned at some point after the 1950s, but Neutaconkanut continues to be a popular yet highly dangerous destination for sledding.
    Antonia Noori Farzan, The Providence Journal, 14 Feb. 2026
  • Although the designer has never been on skis, that didn’t stop him from basing his fall collection on fashions near the slopes.
    Jean E. Palmieri, Footwear News, 13 Feb. 2026
Noun
  • His agrarian aptitude makes the man eager to expand.
    David Rooney, HollywoodReporter, 15 Feb. 2026
  • At the same time, his expertise and aptitude have often elevated the Bulls slightly above expectation for their relatively modest rosters — and guided the development of players like Coby White and Ayo Dosunmu along the way.
    Julia Poe, Chicago Tribune, 11 Feb. 2026
Noun
  • There was treadmill work, the running deck set at steep inclines, the speed gradually increasing.
    Don Norcross, San Diego Union-Tribune, 11 Feb. 2026
  • The world outside Silo residents have little idea what's outside, because their video feed shows nothing but scrub, dead trees, and the corpses of deceased cleaners — everything else is obscured by the incline strategically placed around the entrance to the bunker.
    Richard Edwards, Space.com, 7 Feb. 2026
Noun
  • In September, a swarm of Russian drones flew into Poland's airspace, prompting NATO aircraft to scramble to intercept them and shoot down some of the devices.
    DEMOCRAT-GAZETTE STAFF FROM WIRE REPORTS, Arkansas Online, 6 Feb. 2026
  • The countries announced a framework for the agreement in November, saying Argentina would ease restrictions on a range of American imports, including cattle, dairy products, medicines, chemicals, machinery, medical devices and vehicles.
    Isabel Debre, Los Angeles Times, 6 Feb. 2026
Noun
  • Chopra Jonas’ decision to ditch her smooth, straight hair comes amid a wider affinity for natural curls consuming Hollywood now.
    Kaleigh Werner, Footwear News, 18 Feb. 2026
  • Prosecutors said Colin Gray had been warned that his son had an affinity for mass shooters and was aware that Colt kept a shrine in his bedroom dedicated to the shooter in the 2018 massacre at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Florida.
    Bill Hutchinson, ABC News, 16 Feb. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Inclination.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/inclination. Accessed 19 Feb. 2026.

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