prepossession

ˌprē-pə-ˈze-shən

Synonym Chooser

How does the noun prepossession contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of prepossession are bias, predilection, and prejudice. While all these words mean "an attitude of mind that predisposes one to favor something," prepossession suggests a fixed conception likely to preclude objective judgment of anything counter to it.

a prepossession against technology

When can bias be used instead of prepossession?

The meanings of bias and prepossession largely overlap; however, bias implies an unreasoned and unfair distortion of judgment in favor of or against a person or thing.

a strong bias toward the plaintiff

Where would predilection be a reasonable alternative to prepossession?

Although the words predilection and prepossession have much in common, predilection implies a strong liking deriving from one's temperament or experience.

a predilection for travel

In what contexts can prejudice take the place of prepossession?

In some situations, the words prejudice and prepossession are roughly equivalent. However, prejudice usually implies an unfavorable prepossession and connotes a feeling rooted in suspicion, fear, or intolerance.

a mindless prejudice against the unfamiliar

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of Synonyms for prepossession
Noun
  • Climate risk doesn’t live in theory.
    Sophia Mendelsohn, Forbes.com, 17 Sep. 2025
  • The Florida Department of Education argued that HB 1069 is protected by Florida’s First Amendment right of government speech, a legal theory that the government has the right to prevent any opposing views to its own in schools or any government platform.
    James B. Blasingame, The Conversation, 17 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • With a single photo, though, Swift vaulted it from obscurity into obsession.
    Malaika Crawford, Vogue, 13 Sep. 2025
  • In partnership with The Hollywood Roosevelt, the series will see Murgatroyd catch up with fellow reality television stars at the iconic hotel, discussing topics such as motherhood, entrepreneurship, career journeys and their favorite reality TV obsessions.
    McKinley Franklin, HollywoodReporter, 12 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • Success comes from choosing intentionally based on individual goals, financial circumstances, and career objectives rather than following outdated assumptions about what career preparation requires.
    Sarah Hernholm, Forbes.com, 17 Sep. 2025
  • Contrary to popular assumptions, children experiencing food insecurity do not necessarily appear underweight.
    Oona Hanson, CNN Money, 16 Sep. 2025
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.

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Cite this Entry

“Prepossession.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/prepossession. Accessed 18 Sep. 2025.

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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