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 Reigning champ Crazy Norse is a 6.8% ABV hazy/New England IPA with a penchant for NKU athletics. Rasputin Todd, The Enquirer, 2 July 2025 Like several European royals, including the U.K.’s Kate Middleton and Queen Camilla, Queen Letizia has a penchant for royal rewears. Julia Teti, Footwear News, 2 July 2025 And comic book fans know his new partnership with Riri likely won't end well, since Zeke Stane is a major supervillain in the source material with a penchant for terrorism and upgrading his own body with weapons rather than building a suit of armor. EW.com, 25 June 2025 Now, their penchant for coping with humor is capturing very real feelings following the weekend's scary news. Nicole Fallert, USA Today, 23 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for penchant
Recent Examples of Synonyms for penchant
Noun
  • Because many young parents grew up at a time when diseases like measles were not common, there can be a tendency to not recognize their seriousness.
    Andrew Montequin, jsonline.com, 22 July 2025
  • According to this report, such a tendency creates a false sense of immediacy, which can have a negative impact of real social relationships.
    Eric Wood, Forbes.com, 19 July 2025
Noun
  • This combination of process understanding and technical aptitude creates a powerful force for rapid, relevant application development.
    Ed Jennings, Forbes.com, 11 July 2025
  • That his tantalizing talent was matched by a preternatural aptitude.
    Jack Harris, Los Angeles Times, 1 July 2025
Noun
  • At a June 5 press conference, one day after the General Assembly closed the regular 2024 session, the governor gave his strongest indication to date of an inclination to seek another four-year term with Lt. Gov. Susan Bysiewicz.
    Keith M. Phaneuf, Hartford Courant, 3 July 2025
  • At the Soul Train Awards in 1997, Da Brat arrived outfitted in a similarly referential look, but her look evoked tomboy inclinations.
    Julian Randall, Essence, 3 July 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
  • So why does Stovall have such an affinity for Charlotte?
    Adam Bell, Charlotte Observer, 23 July 2025
  • Chris Drumgoole, President of DXC Global Infrastructure Solutions, told me that DXC has an affinity for mission-critical environments.
    Steve McDowell, Forbes.com, 21 July 2025
Noun
  • Brennan, a former DEA agent with a knack for reading between the lines, teamed up with local Detective Scott Apple.
    Christina Coulter, People.com, 19 July 2025
  • Alicia Silverstone’s Cher, a Beverly Hills high school student with a closet of riotous and costly mix-and-match outfits and a knack for negotiating higher grades without actually earning them, comes off as shallow and spoiled.
    Stephanie Zacharek, Time, 18 July 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Penchant.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/penchant. Accessed 29 Jul. 2025.

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