PENCHANT Synonyms: 77 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

penchant

noun

ˈpen-chənt

Definition of penchant next

as in tendency

a habitual attraction to some activity or thing a penchant for sitting by the window and staring moodily off into space

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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 Burke’s heroine, Natalie, is a trad wife with a large internet following, fundamentalist Christian convictions, a brood of cherubic children, a working farm, and a penchant for handcrafting items that could be purchased at the drugstore. —

Becca Rothfeld, New Yorker, 29 May 2026 Here’s a good read by colleague Sheryl Estrada about Big Tech’s penchant for hiring women in the CFO spot. —

Andrew Nusca, Fortune, 28 May 2026 Food and dining reporter Sean Timberlake also has developed a penchant for telling stories that consumers, farmers, farmworkers and restaurateurs need to know since joining the news organization late last year. —

Kiara Adams may 28, Sacbee.com, 28 May 2026 With a penchant for scoring curling free kicks and providing pinpoint passes, David Beckham became one of England’s most iconic players. —

Encyclopedia Britannica, 28 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for penchant

Recent Examples of Synonyms for penchant

Noun

There is still a tendency in tech to assume serious funding has to flow through San Francisco or New York, but capital is increasingly available in markets that historically sat outside the center of the venture ecosystem.

— Hebron Sher, Fortune, 29 May 2026
Overprivileged students had a tendency to see teachers and headmasters not as authority figures but as people of lower social standing.

— Thomas Adam, The Conversation, 29 May 2026