Synonyms of penchant

penchant

noun

ˈpen-chənt 

as in tendency

a habitual attraction to some activity or thing

a penchant for sitting by the window and staring moodily off into space

Synonyms & Similar Words

• tendency
• aptitude
• inclination
• devices
• affinity
• knack
• proclivity
• affection
• predilection
• propensity
• predisposition
• impulse
• bias
• disposition
• bent
• talent
• preference
• partiality
• addiction
• genius
• leaning
• bone
• appetite
• turn
• flair
• gift
• habitude
• prejudice
• fondness
• liking
• taste
• habit
• partisanship
• favor
• endowment
• like
• forte
• fancy
• speciality
• specialty
• faculty
• eccentricity
• practice
• quirk
• idiosyncrasy
• one-sidedness
• custom
• pattern
• peculiarity
• routine
• singularity
• convention
• trick
• wont
• oddity
• way
• kink

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• aversion
• distaste
• dislike
• allergy
• disinclination
• neutrality
• disfavor
• objectivity
• detachment
• indifference
• impartiality
• disliking
• disrelish
• averseness
• nonchalance
• apathy
• unconcern
• disinterestedness
• insouciance

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

Recent Examples of penchant

His penchant for downing bottles of wine throughout his life seemed reasonable. — Melissa Ruggieri, USA Today, 30 July 2026

Over the course of his 45-minute press conference Thursday, many viewers (including CNN reporters and editors) bristled at Warsh’s penchant for catchy turns of phrase that don’t quite … make sense. — Jeanne Sahadi, CNN Money, 29 July 2026

Lola Tung is taking her evolving penchant for designer fashion to Coach as the brand’s newest global ambassador. — Julia Teti, Footwear News, 29 July 2026

The piece foreshadows Saar’s penchant for transforming common items into near-mystical objects with seemingly simple flourishes that belie complex themes. — Jessica Gelt, Los Angeles Times, 28 July 2026

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