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 simulations also show that Chrysalis would have perturbed Iapetus's orbit, leading to its high inclination. Keith Cooper, Space.com, 17 Feb. 2026 Receipts On a similar note, minimalists do not have an inclination to hold onto receipts over the course of a week. Sarah Lyon, The Spruce, 8 Feb. 2026 This is the standard for ramp inclinations that are usable for most people, especially wheelchair users. K. Desbouis, Artforum, 6 Feb. 2026 This is because when people lose weight, the body’s natural inclination is to return to its previous weight – a phenomenon called metabolic adaptation. Amy J. Sheer, The Conversation, 5 Feb. 2026 See All Example Sentences for inclination
Recent Examples of Synonyms for inclination
Noun
  • Kahn studies automation bias, the tendency of human operators to overdelegate to machines.
    Eric Sullivan, Scientific American, 6 Mar. 2026
  • Tactics are often cyclical and repeated over time, but the current tendency is very much towards the former.
    Patrick Boyland, New York Times, 6 Mar. 2026
Noun
  • While climatologists follow the calendar to define the seasons, nature follows the Earth’s tilt and its position around the sun.
    Mary Wasson, Austin American Statesman, 1 Mar. 2026
  • Eaton blows out Franklin to advance Haslet Eaton broke open a close game after one quarter en route to a 64-35 win over El Paso Franklin in a Class 6A Division I area-round tilt on Friday afternoon at Odessa Permian High School.
    Darren Lauber, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 28 Feb. 2026
Noun
  • For example, north-facing slopes tend to warm slower than south-facing slopes.
    Kim Toscano, Southern Living, 28 Feb. 2026
  • After digging a snow pit to test the snowpack on a mellow slope, the group was about to descend, only to hear the telling whump of a slide.
    Brent Rose, Outside, 28 Feb. 2026
Noun
  • Other people have a natural aptitude for learning a language and can pick it up easily.
    Karen Stollznow, The Conversation, 26 Feb. 2026
  • In his breakout 2025, Benge showcased an aptitude for quick adjustments.
    Tim Britton, New York Times, 23 Feb. 2026
Noun
  • The result is a strong ability to climb inclines, and better balance on more rugged, technical terrain.
    New Atlas, New Atlas, 1 Mar. 2026
  • Special pilot training is required to land safely on the incline.
    Karina Acharya, Condé Nast Traveler, 26 Feb. 2026
Noun
  • The Natives in his book are largely presented as plot devices, not flesh-and-blood individuals.
    Carolina A. Miranda, The Atlantic, 5 Mar. 2026
  • The New York Times reported Wednesday that Kennedy wrote a letter to universities in January suggesting 71 topics, including food allergies, dietary supplements, wearable devices, composting and crop rotation.
    Berkeley Lovelace Jr, NBC news, 5 Mar. 2026
Noun
  • Elsewhere up the middle of the field, Harbaugh has stressed his affinity for Jaxson Dart at quarterback and Dexter Lawrence at defensive tackle.
    Pat Leonard, New York Daily News, 2 Mar. 2026
  • The president is known for his affinity for fast food, particularly McDonald’s.
    Brady Knox, The Washington Examiner, 28 Feb. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Inclination.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/inclination. Accessed 7 Mar. 2026.

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