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?

Examples of incline in a Sentence

These examples are automatically compiled from online sources to illustrate current usage. Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Recent Examples on the Web
Noun
Its compact size and 5% incline add a little extra challenge to her day, all while fitting seamlessly into her workspace. Laura Lajiness Kaupke, Glamour, 16 Sep. 2024 According to Thomson, a 12% incline is a good benchmark that runners should look for in a treadmill. Leigh Weingus, SELF, 10 Sep. 2024
Verb
Since then several states, individual colleges and university systems have followed suit as institutions search for ways to boost enrollments and reach students who might otherwise not be inclined to consider college. Michael T. Nietzel, Forbes, 7 Oct. 2024 Is this something that somebody’s going to be inclined to do? Todd Spangler, Variety, 27 Sep. 2024 See all Example Sentences for incline 
Recent Examples of Synonyms for incline
Noun
  • Stage 2 involves creating a tunnel over Agoura Road to the south to create a gradual slope that will allow animals to wander off the crossing into the Santa Monica Mountains.
    Jeanette Marantos, Los Angeles Times, 29 Oct. 2024
  • The bar, located right on the slopes, is well-known as being one of the liveliest dives in Arosa.
    Stacey Leasca, Travel + Leisure, 28 Oct. 2024
Verb
  • Additionally, the market will tilt further in favor of hospitals and against competing physician practices, accelerating hospital-physician consolidation and resulting in fewer choices, higher prices, and more medical debt.
    Ge Bai, Forbes, 4 Nov. 2024
  • Gently shift your weight to the right side, keeping your hips steady and without tilting your body.
    Leoni Jesner, Health, 4 Nov. 2024
Verb
  • Unlike other ray species, round rays tend to stay hidden in the sand, relying on their natural camouflage to avoid predators — human included.
    Melissa Cristina Marquez, Forbes, 3 Nov. 2024
  • The alternative is to use what are called ABS plastics, but these tend to be shiny and generate cheap-sounding resonances.
    Jason Barlow, WIRED, 2 Nov. 2024
Noun
  • Springsteen and politics The front man known for his tours alongside the E Street Band is also forthcoming about his political inclination.
    Eleanor Pringle, Fortune, 28 Oct. 2024
  • The percentages for other political inclinations were not as high but still represented a majority, including 86% of independent and third-party respondents, and 74% of Republicans.
    Adriana Pérez, Chicago Tribune, 18 Oct. 2024
Verb
  • Will the country lean toward inclusion, or will the push for deportation lead to a compromise its foundational ideals?
    Andy J. Semotiuk, Forbes, 2 Nov. 2024
  • My husband is a huge soccer fan and this feels like a fashion-y way to lean into that.
    Conçetta Ciarlo, Vogue, 1 Nov. 2024

Thesaurus Entries Near incline

Cite this Entry

“Incline.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/incline. Accessed 10 Nov. 2024.

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