penchant

Synonym Chooser

How does the noun penchant contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of penchant are leaning, proclivity, and propensity. While all these words mean "a strong instinct or liking for something," penchant implies a strongly marked taste in the person or an irresistible attraction in the object.

a penchant for taking risks

When might leaning be a better fit than penchant?

The meanings of leaning and penchant largely overlap; however, leaning suggests a liking or attraction not strong enough to be decisive or uncontrollable.

a student with artistic leanings

When would proclivity be a good substitute for penchant?

The synonyms proclivity and penchant are sometimes interchangeable, but proclivity suggests a strong natural proneness usually to something objectionable or evil.

a proclivity for violence

Where would propensity be a reasonable alternative to penchant?

The words propensity and penchant are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, propensity implies a deeply ingrained and usually irresistible inclination.

a propensity to offer advice

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 penchant The documentary also includes snapshots of Stringfield’s life, such as dressing as a man to compete in motorcycle races and her many marriages (and penchant for younger men). Raisa Habersham, Miami Herald, 1 May 2025 And to what end? More bark than bite? Trump’s penchant for retribution has kept business leaders from saying or doing anything that would hurt the bottom line. Allison Morrow, CNN Money, 30 Apr. 2025 Read More: 'Thunderbolts' Early Reviews Overwhelmingly One-Sided A lot of haters have been pointing out James Gunn's penchant for showing up in production stills, and this one is no exception. Michileen Martin, MSNBC Newsweek, 30 Apr. 2025 But what has defined him as a president, both in his first term and months into his second, is his penchant for destruction. Mark K. Updegrove, Time, 29 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for penchant
Recent Examples of Synonyms for penchant
Noun
  • Plus, no matter who's involved, humans have a natural tendency to pay close attention to danger and threats, especially if those threats have lurked without detection for so long.
    Charles Trepany, USA Today, 10 May 2025
  • Recent climate modeling results suggest that changes in annual precipitation in Florida will likely be modest, within about 10% of current average, with a tendency for wetter conditions in the northern part of the state and lesser precipitation in the south.
    Bob Maliva, The Orlando Sentinel, 10 May 2025
Noun
  • Judging by the untended blisters on his knuckles and palms, however, Enzo doesn’t show much aptitude for it — to the extent that his supervisor drives the boy home one day to speak with his parents, surprised to discover that Enzo lives in a posh home with ocean views and a private pool.
    Peter Debruge, Variety, 14 May 2025
  • Hiring focuses on ability and aptitude, in companies that are focused on growth.
    Chris Westfall, Forbes.com, 12 May 2025
Noun
  • Analysts also see an inclination among some officials to keep certain communications private, not just from spies but also from government recordkeeping.
    Anna Mulrine Grobe, Christian Science Monitor, 8 May 2025
  • Conveniently dovetailing into some of the notions offered this weekend to Trump at Mar-a-Lago by Oscar-winner Voight and his team, Newsom’s pitch of a national tax incentive for big screen and small screen production is clearly aimed to appeal to Trump’s bigger-is-better inclinations.
    Dominic Patten, Deadline, 5 May 2025
Noun
  • However, instead of removing the minerals from the water, these devices make the minerals soluble in the water.
    Timothy Dale, Better Homes & Gardens, 14 Mar. 2025
  • However, these incidents underscore the importance of regularly updating your devices to stay protected against evolving threats.
    Kurt Knutsson, CyberGuy Report, Fox News, 14 Mar. 2025
Noun
  • Visitors with an affinity for history and local culture will find endless entertainment in downtown Beaufort, not to be confused with the South Carolina destination of the same name.
    Lydia Mansel, Travel + Leisure, 12 May 2025
  • At 26, Mac Allister is coming into his prime years and his affinity for the club is clear.
    James Pearce, New York Times, 10 May 2025
Noun
  • Legendary’s Mary Parent, who has a knack for fanboy properties like Dune and the Monsterverse, was brought on board to propel Minecraft to the next level.
    Anthony D'Alessandro, Deadline, 11 May 2025
  • Though to be fair, her husband has a knack for saying the wrong thing at the wrong time.
    David Fear, Rolling Stone, 8 May 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Penchant.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/penchant. Accessed 25 May. 2025.

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