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
  • Stirs some theories, too, about said coach’s real feelings about the pick.
    Zak Keefer, New York Times, 27 Apr. 2026
  • In a new book, Geoff Kelly traces how the artworks moved through criminal networks, where violence took the lives of key suspects and witnesses, and challenges long-circulating theories by revisiting key details.
    ABC News, ABC News, 26 Apr. 2026
Noun
  • Guests arrive dressed for the part, whether inspired by their White Lotus obsession or devotion to the Four Seasons brand.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 23 Apr. 2026
  • That obsession hasn’t waned much since.
    Elizabeth Robinson, NBC news, 23 Apr. 2026
Noun
  • Don’t rely on assumptions or shortcuts.
    Tarot.com, Hartford Courant, 21 Apr. 2026
  • According to data from MarineTraffic, 37 total vessels transited under the assumption that the strait was safe to transit.
    Glenn Taylor, Footwear News, 21 Apr. 2026
Noun
  • Third-rounder Keagen Trost could help improve the depth of the offensive line, but the Rams really could use another impact wide receiver given Davante Adams’ age and Puka Nacua’s off-field problems.
    Mike Jones, New York Times, 25 Apr. 2026
  • Be clear about what matters, then test small changes that won’t create bigger problems later.
    Tarot.com, New York Daily News, 25 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 27 Apr. 2026.

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