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
  • The adult world is studied and emulated in a manner that suggests praxis but no theory.
    Anna Wiener, New Yorker, 4 May 2026
  • There is one theory that people may outlive their physical bodies but there may be a way to upload their consciousness into a digital realm where human existence could go on indefinitely.
    John Ramos, CBS News, 3 May 2026
Noun
  • To her surprise, Maryam begins to develop a closer bond with her – but Nessa cannot let go of the obsession.
    Georg Szalai, HollywoodReporter, 7 May 2026
  • This dark psychological thriller about guilt, obsession, truth and morality arises out of just a single conversation between strangers who happen to sit next to one another.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 6 May 2026
Noun
  • Choose clarity over assumption, and move forward with agreements that feel grounded, mutual, and realistic to maintain over time.
    Tarot.com, The Orlando Sentinel, 6 May 2026
  • Ricketts has minor quibbles with some of the assumptions behind these projections.
    Jonathan Lambert, NPR, 6 May 2026
Noun
  • Gemini May 21 – June 20 A small realization about money or priorities could solve more than one problem today.
    Tarot.com, Baltimore Sun, 10 May 2026
  • Language development, emotional regulation, problem-solving, and relationship-building all begin before age three.
    Tina Dello Russo, Boston Herald, 10 May 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 11 May. 2026.

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