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
The incline is so steep there are times when hikers slip-slide on all fours, grabbing onto shrub roots for purchase as tiny lizards dart under their hands. David Allan, CNN Money, 17 May 2025 Consumers can sign up to try their large array of off-road products experiencing rough terrain and steep inclines. Marc D. Grasso, New York Daily News, 13 Apr. 2025
Verb
In the aftermath, Reiko shared that she’d been demoted to desk duty and was inclined to quit, but Wes urged her to fight the good fight and keep being a good cop. Matt Webb Mitovich, TVLine, 20 May 2025 After all, Folsom Lake and its trails are part of their backyard, so the children were inclined to spend more time outdoors than in front of screens. David Caraccio, Sacbee.com, 17 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for incline
Recent Examples of Synonyms for incline
Noun
  • Across the Cotswolds, darling villages like Painswick and Tetbury sit among green slopes, each one a jumble of honeystone cottages housing dreamy inns, shops selling antiques or books, and award-winning restaurants like Lygon Arms and the Woolpack Inn, Slad.
    Danielle Hallock, AFAR Media, 5 June 2025
  • But this week was an undeniable success, those slopes causing damage, those greens forcing balls to fly from end to end.
    Brody Miller, New York Times, 1 June 2025
Verb
  • Without the capacity to tilt and rotate, umbrellas need to be physically relocated to adjust to the changing angles of incoming sunlight.
    Sandi Schwartz, Better Homes & Gardens, 13 June 2025
  • Solar Orbiter is the first to tilt out of this zone.
    Jamie Carter, Forbes.com, 11 June 2025
Verb
  • Rainwater tends to stockpile on the edges of roads.
    NC Weather Bot, Charlotte Observer, 14 June 2025
  • While gas prices tend to rise mildly during the warmer months as people begin their summer vacations, everything has changed since Israel’s stunning strikes on Iran – an attack that Tehran has vowed to respond to.
    Matt Egan, CNN Money, 13 June 2025
Noun
  • In conversations about smart buildings or workplace technology, there’s often an inclination to jump to the latest tools or features.
    Swapna Sathyan, Forbes.com, 5 June 2025
  • This is because a planet's altitude in the sky is dependent in part on the inclination of the ecliptic relative to the horizon, which shifts throughout the year due to Earth's wobbling orbit.
    Anthony Wood, Space.com, 31 May 2025
Verb
  • This year the convention will continue around its core industry and community tracks that will lean heavily on the business of the creator economy, and the communities and brands sparked by digital media.
    Alex Weprin, HollywoodReporter, 12 June 2025
  • Butler, now in his 50s, leans into the role with just enough gruff sincerity to make Brodie feel like more than a stock hero.
    Travis Bean, Forbes.com, 12 June 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Incline.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/incline. Accessed 18 Jun. 2025.

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