incline 1 of 2

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

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incline

2 of 2

verb

1
as in to slope
to set or cause to be at an angle carefully inclined the ladder against the house

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2
as in to tend
to show a liking or proneness (for something) a good restaurant for diners who incline to spicy food

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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

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 incline
Noun
Set your treadmill to 2 mph or less with an incline of around five percent. Danielle Zickl, Outside, 20 Aug. 2025 Consider switching up the incline or speed to keep your workout challenging and engaging. Sarah Bence, Verywell Health, 18 Aug. 2025
Verb
Those who benefited most were already inclined to value broadband. Bob Hellman, Fortune, 16 Aug. 2025 Will her sense of completism nag at you, even incline you toward boredom? Justin Chang, New Yorker, 14 Aug. 2025 See All Example Sentences for incline
Recent Examples of Synonyms for incline
Noun
  • Ski aficionados can take to the slopes at nearby Saint-Sauveur.
    Robb Report Studio, Robb Report, 9 Sep. 2025
  • The River Kelvin at this point is very picturesque, with bends and steep slopes.
    Jeanine Barone, Forbes.com, 8 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • This allowed the craft to maintain control and stability even when sharply tilted against the current.
    Atharva Gosavi, Interesting Engineering, 5 Sep. 2025
  • San Diego, Las Vegas, San Francisco, and San Jose have homeownership rates just above 50% but are similarly dominated by renters, exposing how affordability issues in urban centers are tilting the balance away from ownership.
    Nick Lichtenberg, Fortune, 5 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • Rainwater tends to gather along the road edges.
    NC Weather Bot, Charlotte Observer, 10 Sep. 2025
  • However, the current crop of general-purpose humanoids tends to target moderate loads, similar to an average person, because higher payloads complicate balance and actuator sizing.
    Kaif Shaikh, Interesting Engineering, 10 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • Kinloch noted the Legislature has shown no inclination to advance bills that create arena taxes.
    Malachi Barrett, Freep.com, 5 Sep. 2025
  • Vesting oversight primarily in defense departments and ministries is a traditional inclination.
    GARY ROUGHEAD, Foreign Affairs, 2 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • The classic Stern misdirect briefly confused listeners and leaned into the unfounded rumors that SiriusXM wasn't planning to renew Stern’s current five-year contract, which expires in December.
    Melissa Ruggieri, USA Today, 9 Sep. 2025
  • The Heat has discussed this option, but to this point has leaned toward keeping Rozier to see if his salary (and expiring contract) can be used as cap ballast in a trade if a pricey standout player becomes available closer to the February trade deadline.
    Barry Jackson, Miami Herald, 9 Sep. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Incline.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/incline. Accessed 11 Sep. 2025.

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