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 Getty Choosing a college major has always been a big life decision, influenced by not only personal inclinations and talents, but also by starting salaries. Courtney Connley-Hampton, Forbes.com, 30 June 2026 Even with the addition of Brandon Carlo and the way Logan Mailloux finished last season, my inclination would be to add a defenseman here. Dom Luszczyszyn, New York Times, 30 June 2026 His inclination will always be to confirm the president’s existing ideas and maintain his good favor. Colin Pascal, Baltimore Sun, 28 June 2026 Did you guys have an inclination that was coming or just a coincidence? Brayden Garcia, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 26 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for inclination
Recent Examples of Synonyms for inclination
Noun
  • Some breeds are more genetically prone to these obsessive compulsive cats tendencies.
    Ryan Brennan, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 15 July 2026
  • Except her version of fun involves vengeance, sly righteousness and the exposure of humanity’s darker tendencies.
    Culture Critic, Los Angeles Times, 15 July 2026
Noun
  • This seemingly contradictory event is explained by Earth's axial tilt, not its orbital distance.
    Jamie Carter, Forbes.com, 5 July 2026
  • The tilt of the Earth’s axis has much, much more to do with the seasons!
    Mike Lynch, Twin Cities, 5 July 2026
Noun
  • Instead, some slopes are resorting to creating snow artificially, while hotels and restaurants do their best to stay optimistic.
    Cristopher Ulloa, CNN Money, 11 July 2026
  • There are currently two active fuels and fire behavior advisories covering the west slope, front range, and Southeast of Colorado, southern Wyoming, eastern Nevada, Utah, and the Arizona strip.
    Alison Fox, Travel + Leisure, 10 July 2026
Noun
  • King contrasted the country’s technological expertise with its moral aptitude.
    Dawn M. Turner, Chicago Tribune, 5 July 2026
  • But his energy and aptitude on the boards looked to be in midseason form.
    Joseph Dycus, Mercury News, 4 July 2026
Noun
  • The riverfront includes steep inclines, large rocks and uneven ground that can be difficult for workers or machinery to manage safely.
    Sophia Buonpane, Kansas City Star, 29 June 2026
  • Temperatures will be on the incline, reaching into the 90s by lunchtime and the upper 90s by the late afternoon.
    Lauren Bostwick, CBS News, 28 June 2026
Noun
  • Grab bars — rails attached to walls, particularly in bathrooms — help provide balance and prevent falls, preventing serious injuries, said Jim Christian, founder of the effort to push Medicare to cover the devices, Safety Bars for America.
    Panashe Matemba-Mutasa, Mercury News, 13 July 2026
  • Both the Russian and Chinese governments have been compromising routers for years, sometimes in prolonged tugs-of-war to wrest control of devices the other has already commandeered.
    Dan Goodin, ArsTechnica, 13 July 2026
Noun
  • His admiration for Dwyane Wade, and an affinity for warm weather climates, drew him here and produced the Heat’s first championship season in 2006.
    Omar Kelly July 16, Miami Herald, 16 July 2026
  • Samantha Busch, the wife of Kyle and mother to Lennix and Brexton, shared in an Instagram story that the event is special — particularly with his affinity for grassroots racing and inspiring the next generation.
    Alex Zietlow, Charlotte Observer, 16 July 2026

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Cite this Entry

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

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