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 Born in New York City to parents Morris and Anna Lehrer in April 1928, Lehrer showed a penchant for musical composition early on. Edward Segarra, USA Today, 28 July 2025 Despite rapid growth in AI use, several people are still skeptical about using AI, pointing to its penchant to hallucinate or go off the rails with strange or even offensive language. Sydney Lake, Fortune, 25 July 2025 In the latter stages of his career, his penchant for entertaining teammates did not cease. Rustin Dodd, New York Times, 23 July 2025 Using her matchmaking skills, penchant for makeovers and social status, Cher helps those around her find love while navigating the politics of high school. Julia Emmanuele, People.com, 19 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for penchant
Recent Examples of Synonyms for penchant
Noun
  • Birds love the honeysuckle and porcelain vine fruits and have the infuriating tendency to pass them through their system undamaged, and then deposit them in your garden, in tremendous numbers, encased in a nice little fertilizer packet.
    Paul Cappiello, The Courier-Journal, 15 Aug. 2025
  • Since the start of the offseason program, Smith has studied both kickers’ tendencies.
    Mike Kaye August 14, Charlotte Observer, 14 Aug. 2025
Noun
  • These include improvisational problem-solving, risk aptitude, systems thinking, interoperability facilitation, and cognitive orchestration.
    Trond Arne Undheim, Forbes.com, 1 Aug. 2025
  • The public incorrectly values charisma over aptitude, and Janet is Al Gore.
    Tom Smyth, Vulture, 16 July 2025
Noun
  • Martone’s positive inclination is also backed by the quality and attention to detail ICR offers, aspects that not only enabled the company to be the first cosmetics firm in Italy to be certified for its quality in 1996, but are embedded in his family roots.
    Sandra Salibian, Footwear News, 5 Aug. 2025
  • Diamandis told me that our hardwired inclinations toward selfishness did trouble him sometimes, in the middle of the night.
    Tad Friend, New Yorker, 4 Aug. 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
  • Animal lovers with a special affinity for hoofed creatures can venture south of town into the Little Book Cliffs.
    Shauna Farnell, Denver Post, 15 Aug. 2025
  • Memorable experiences build brand affinity, and that influence extends long after the event ends.
    Shirin Ali, Forbes.com, 14 Aug. 2025
Noun
  • Her political ascent is credited in part to her knack for relationship building — a strength to which even political rivals attest.
    Charlotte Observer, Charlotte Observer, 14 Aug. 2025
  • Ina Garten is known for her elegant recipes, hosting know-how, and signature chambray tops, but she’s also got a knack for interior design.
    Toni Sutton, People.com, 9 Aug. 2025

Browse Nearby Words

Podcast

Cite this Entry

“Penchant.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/penchant. Accessed 20 Aug. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on penchant

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!