prepossession

ˌprē-pə-ˈze-shən
Definition of prepossessionnext

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
  • Warsh’s theory of the case is built in part on his long-standing criticism of the Fed’s massive balance sheet.
    Matt Egan, CNN Money, 2 Feb. 2026
  • By calling itself an institute, the artist-run organization adopts the traditional markers of academic power while collapsing the hierarchies of collegiate critical theory and interdisciplinary studies programs.
    Catherine Taft, Artforum, 1 Feb. 2026
Noun
  • In Short’s case, the flattening is particularly egregious, because the inchoate facts of her life are shoehorned into the obsessions of amateur sleuths who continue to get those facts wrong.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 29 Jan. 2026
  • Now that Musk has massively tarnished the brand with his public embrace of far-right ideologies, putting a major dent in its cars’ desirability, and competition in the space is stronger than ever, particularly from China, the richest man in the world is ready to move on to his next shiny obsession.
    Victor Tangermann, Futurism, 29 Jan. 2026
Noun
  • That runs counter to decades of assumptions about Chondrichthyan fishes, the group that includes sharks, rays, skates and chimaeras.
    Melissa Cristina Márquez, Forbes.com, 29 Jan. 2026
  • The report calls into question assumptions in many circles, including in the White House, that a Russian victory in Ukraine is inevitable and incoming.
    Brad Lendon, CNN Money, 28 Jan. 2026
Noun
  • The problem is that no instrument can directly measure magnetic fields in those layers.
    Rupendra Brahambhatt, Interesting Engineering, 1 Feb. 2026
  • Interestingly, Senior Bowl players said NIL money doesn’t cause problems in most cases.
    Chris Perkins, Sun Sentinel, 31 Jan. 2026
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 3 Feb. 2026.

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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