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
  • One theory is that ultraviolet radiation from the sun may have been the key.
    Jerome Groopman, New Yorker, 6 Apr. 2026
  • Priscilla Wald, who teaches about science fiction at Duke University, has a theory as to why.
    ABC News, ABC News, 4 Apr. 2026
Noun
  • In late November, the annual Anegada Lobster Festival takes the island's year-round lobster love and turns it into an obsession, with local restaurants featuring special dishes and plenty of events making the spiny Anegada lobster the star of the show.
    Carley Rojas Avila, Travel + Leisure, 9 Apr. 2026
  • Plus, though last year’s obsession with polka dots hasn’t completely died down, eye-catching horizontal stripes are threatening to dethrone spots as the pattern du jour.
    Jordan Julian, InStyle, 9 Apr. 2026
Noun
  • The cut is purportedly because of an assumption that online classes cost less than in-person classes, but was introduced at the last minute, with no data to support the claim.
    Jill Penn, AJC.com, 8 Apr. 2026
  • Likewise, Dutcher is operating under the assumption that those not in the portal on Tuesday intend to return; SDSU officials are finalizing revenue-sharing contracts with them.
    Mark Zeigler, San Diego Union-Tribune, 8 Apr. 2026
Noun
  • This was the problem with conjuring my mother.
    Douglas Stuart, New Yorker, 12 Apr. 2026
  • Rising to the #1 spot signals strong business fundamentals, consumer trust and a product that genuinely solves a modern pet owner’s problem.
    Kasey Caminiti, USA Today, 11 Apr. 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 13 Apr. 2026.

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