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
Other disruptive technologies of the future could dent their incline. Rebecca A. Fannin, MSNBC Newsweek, 1 Oct. 2025 In January, Unitree showcased its G1 robot’s smooth walking and running system, demonstrating agility, stability, and precise control on inclines and uneven terrain. Prabhat Ranjan Mishra, Interesting Engineering, 25 Sep. 2025
Verb
Viewers inclined to theorize their way to some baroque explanation are naturally going to disbelieve what’s right there in front of them. Scott Tobias, Vulture, 22 Oct. 2025 The trim and inclining experiment is to confirm the centre of gravity of the submarine and is measured by naval architects in both surfaced and submerged conditions. Prabhat Ranjan Mishra, Interesting Engineering, 20 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for incline
Recent Examples of Synonyms for incline
Noun
  • Renovations on the previous building had been paused by the district in 2019 due to the cost related to its many levels and slopes.
    Imani Cruzen, Twin Cities, 19 Oct. 2025
  • Children ran up and down the grassy slope behind the Capitol as their families protested on James Robertson Parkway.
    Vivian Jones, Nashville Tennessean, 18 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • The Endeavor features a centrifugal force spinning disk that tilts upwards.
    Brady MacDonald, Oc Register, 22 Oct. 2025
  • Though conservative Ohio courts always conspired to tilt her battle uphill, the initial suit made a splash.
    Brittany Allen, Literary Hub, 21 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • There’s a lot of stuff in the ocean, and marine debris tends to aggregate in the same places as does the whale sharks’ primary prey.
    JSTOR Daily, JSTOR Daily, 24 Oct. 2025
  • Chickens with reddish-brown feathers and red earlobes tend to lay brown eggs.
    Lindsey DeSoto, Health, 23 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • The cosmos is asking us to define our aspirations and inclinations.
    Lisa Stardust, Refinery29, 20 Oct. 2025
  • On command, the Arc would detach from the service module and reenter the atmosphere at Mach 20+ with a high sustained g-load to arrive at any location within its orbital inclination zone.
    David Szondy October 13, New Atlas, 13 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • The new album is described as leaning into the band's early post-punk and goth influences.
    Ed Masley, AZCentral.com, 21 Oct. 2025
  • The frame is Japanese beech, making for a high-quality base that looks playful without leaning kitschy.
    Julia Harrison, Architectural Digest, 21 Oct. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Incline.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/incline. Accessed 28 Oct. 2025.

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