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 For those with a penchant for eclectic home decor, the kitchen counters can be a fun and easy way to express your creativity. Mary Cornetta, Better Homes & Gardens, 21 Oct. 2025 McGirr’s penchant for Victorian references was not only featured in this recent custom design worn by Sweeney. Julia Teti, Footwear News, 20 Oct. 2025 Sanders and son Shedeur were testy with Norvell during the postgame handshake at Folsom Field, after Norvell commented on Coach Prime's penchant for wearing sunglasses and a hat during interviews. Sean Keeler, Denver Post, 19 Oct. 2025 Most tourists come to London for the iconic landmarks and museums, but for those with a penchant for the foreboding, the city’s morbid history sets an especially spooky tone. Nicole Kliest, Vogue, 18 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for penchant
Recent Examples of Synonyms for penchant
Noun
  • Selling a put under those conditions, with roughly 60 days to expiration, positions the seller to capture elevated option premium while capturing the tendency for prices to revert toward the mean.
    Michael Khouw, CNBC, 27 Oct. 2025
  • However, the former collegiate volleyball player says her husband, Philadelphia Eagles guard Landon Dickerson, doesn't share her cautionary tendencies.
    Zoey Lyttle, PEOPLE, 27 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • Mount’s defensive aptitude proved important in keeping United compact throughout, regularly dropping into vacant spaces to slow down any nascent attacks.
    Carl Anka, New York Times, 19 Oct. 2025
  • Her aptitude was unavoidable at the Fendi show, where top models holding desirable handbags, styled with joyful knits, eye-catching dresses and sporty separates, strutted past guests, including actors Hilary Duff, Naomi Watts and Bang Chan of the South Korean boy band Stray Kids.
    Kati Chitrakorn, CNN Money, 29 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • The cosmos is asking us to define our aspirations and inclinations.
    Lisa Stardust, Refinery29, 20 Oct. 2025
  • On command, the Arc would detach from the service module and reenter the atmosphere at Mach 20+ with a high sustained g-load to arrive at any location within its orbital inclination zone.
    David Szondy October 13, New Atlas, 13 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • Turns out it’s finished ahead of schedule and already shipping the servers, which will support Apple Intelligence services on consumer devices like iPhones, according to a new Fox Business report.
    Andrew Nusca, Fortune, 24 Oct. 2025
  • That means more than one of every eight of Kroger's 103 stores in its Cincinnati-Dayton division (which includes Northern Kentucky) have the digital devices so far.
    Alexander Coolidge, Cincinnati Enquirer, 23 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • Not only are the margins strong, but products help with brand affinity.
    Alex Weprin, HollywoodReporter, 21 Oct. 2025
  • Monáe told the story while explaining her affinity for Halloween.
    Jack Irvin, PEOPLE, 21 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • The tall, elegant arches house a variety of books and knick-knacks.
    Sophia Beams, Better Homes & Gardens, 24 Oct. 2025
  • However, West Virginia’s defense has a knack for forcing turnovers.
    Steven Johnson, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 22 Oct. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Penchant.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/penchant. Accessed 28 Oct. 2025.

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