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 Both parts display Harlin’s usual skill for escalating tension, his penchant for mixing gory terror with dark humor, and a visual precision that keeps the audience carefully acclimated to the spaces in which the various action sequences are set. —

Jim Hemphill, IndieWire, 26 Mar. 2026 The choreographer may have felt his inspiration bolstered by ballet’s penchant to personify the inanimate — flowers, snowflakes, toys. —

Guillermo Perez, Miami Herald, 24 Mar. 2026 But what Pigozzi, whose late father was CEO of the Italian automotive brand and Fiat spin-off Simca, is arguably best known for is his penchant for picture-taking. —

Chris Murphy, Vanity Fair, 23 Mar. 2026 That became a running gag, as did the California poet Gerald Fleming’s penchant for home repair. —

Adriane Quinlan, Curbed, 20 Mar. 2026 See All Example Sentences for penchant

Recent Examples of Synonyms for penchant

Noun

A lot of dance music leans more dark and some of his melodic tendencies are brighter in a way, more major key.

— Kieran Press-Reynolds, Pitchfork, 27 Mar. 2026
History may not repeat, but it sure as hell has a tendency to trigger the occasional sense of déjà vu.

— Anthony Crupi, Sportico.com, 27 Mar. 2026