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
Types of brakes The braking system on a golf push cart is important when playing a hilly course and will need to stop your cart on an incline. Bestreviews, Chicago Tribune, 1 Apr. 2025 Walk on an incline (such as by walking up hills or increasing the incline on a treadmill).4 Pump your arms. Heather Jones, Verywell Health, 10 June 2025
Verb
Though the rain forced attendees to dress fairly practically (in rain jackets, hiking boots, and the like), this being New York, the more creatively inclined still embraced the moment. Margaux Anbouba, Vogue, 15 June 2025 The Senate Commerce committee reportedly is considering restoring $4 billion cut from NASA’s budget for SLS, and the Trump administration may not be inclined to fight them. Jeremy Bogaisky, Forbes.com, 6 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for incline
Recent Examples of Synonyms for incline
Noun
  • Throughout, the cast of 17 exudes an unmistakable enthusiasm for the material, the onstage electricity radiating up the alpine slopes of the Guthrie’s expansive Wurtele Thrust.
    Rob Hubbard, Twin Cities, 28 June 2025
  • The positive slope on the WMA of the OBV and HPI is not giving any warning signs of a top.
    Tom Aspray, Forbes.com, 25 June 2025
Verb
  • On monthly Red Mirror Party nights, the whole space tilts into extravagance: live shows, flowing Champagne, and a dress code best described as ‘shiny’.
    Lela London, Forbes.com, 24 June 2025
  • Wealth growth was tilted strongly toward North America, propelled by a stable U.S. dollar and upbeat financial markets, according to UBS analysts.
    Eleanor Pringle, Fortune, 23 June 2025
Verb
  • His turnover rate is sky high, which tends to be a bad indicator.
    Sam Vecenie, New York Times, 26 June 2025
  • In fact, a 2023 study published in the European Journal of Investigation in Health, Psychology and Education found that those in stable, intimate relationships tend to experience higher psychological well-being and have a better response to stress.
    Mark Travers, Forbes.com, 25 June 2025
Noun
  • The inclination of those operating from this skillset is to evaluate the interrelationships and interconnections within and between steps, processes, systems and people.
    Terina Allen, Forbes.com, 30 June 2025
  • Marseille’s artistic inclination is matched by an obsession with food which, typically, is very different from what appears on plates in the rest of France.
    The Editors, JSTOR Daily, 20 June 2025
Verb
  • Podcasts, the top 500 podcasts in America, 400 of the top 500 are right- leaning, 100 are left-leaning, and of the 100 left-leaning ones, half of them beat the you-know what out of the Democrats.
    CBS News, CBS News, 6 July 2025
  • The district rejected Trump three times. Desmond, who appeared to be a moderate, pro-business mayor, has leaned more to the right as supervisor, largely supporting Trump on such issues as immigration and COVID policies.
    Michael Smolens, San Diego Union-Tribune, 4 July 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Incline.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/incline. Accessed 9 Jul. 2025.

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