Synonyms of incline

incline 1 of 2

noun

ˈin-ˌklīn 

as in slope

the degree to which something rises up from a position level with the horizon

the steep incline of the hill meant that it was impossible to ride a bicycle up it

Synonyms & Similar Words

• slope
• inclination
• gradient
• lean
• pitch
• ascent
• diagonal
• climb
• rake
• slant
• grade
• cant
• upgrade
• bank
• rise

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• decline
• fall
• declivity
• dip
• descent
• declination
• declension
• hanging
• downgrade
• receding
• hang

incline

2 of 2

verb

in-ˈklīn 

1

as in to slope

to set or cause to be at an angle

carefully inclined the ladder against the house

Synonyms & Similar Words

• slope
• tilt
• angle
• lean
• tip
• heel
• cant
• slant
• cock
• list
• pitch
• deviate
• bend
• descend
• bank
• decline
• veer
• retreat
• swerve
• recline

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• level
• straighten
• even
• flatten

2

as in to tend

to show a liking or proneness (for something)

a good restaurant for diners who incline to spicy food

Synonyms & Similar Words

• tend
• lean
• trend
• run
• indicate
• point
• gravitate
• go
• suggest

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• avoid
• shun
• shy (from or away from)

Synonym Chooser

How is the word incline different from other verbs like it?

Some common synonyms of incline are bias, dispose, and predispose. While all these words mean "to influence one to have or take an attitude toward something," incline implies a tendency to favor one of two or more actions or conclusions.

I incline to agree

In what contexts can bias take the place of incline?

In some situations, the words bias and incline are roughly equivalent. However, bias suggests a settled and predictable leaning in one direction and connotes unfair prejudice.

the experience biased him against foreigners

When could dispose be used to replace incline?

The words dispose and incline can be used in similar contexts, but dispose suggests an affecting of one's mood or temper so as to incline one toward something.

her nature disposes her to trust others

When would predispose be a good substitute for incline?

The words predispose and incline are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, predispose implies the operation of a disposing influence well in advance of the opportunity to manifest itself.

does fictional violence predispose them to accept real violence?

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of incline

Noun

Several sections south of town offered up steep, short, rocky inclines that did not feel particularly rideable on a bike loaded with camping gear and five days of food and fuel. —Shaun McKinnon, AZCentral.com, 4 Nov. 2025

Most roads were nothing more than unpaved, gravel tracks with steep inclines, scary drop-offs, and switchback curves. —Howard Walker, Robb Report, 3 Nov. 2025

Verb

However, the early voting trends that initially seemed to favor older voters have shifted toward younger voters who might be inclined to support Mamdani in recent days. —W. James Antle Iii, The Washington Examiner, 4 Nov. 2025

That explains why the NFL would be inclined to leave the Chiefs-Bills matchup out of prime time. —Pete Grathoff, Kansas City Star, 29 Oct. 2025