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
  • At universities, the study of ancient Chinese texts has historically been scattered across disciplines; now, under government direction, universities are trying to gather that scholarship in new classics departments where, one theory goes, ancient truths can be nurtured and passed down.
    Chang Che, New Yorker, 8 Mar. 2026
  • His panels included doctors, physicists, engineers and others and their reports in 2020 and 2022, proposed a theory of the incidents.
    Will Croxton, CBS News, 8 Mar. 2026
Noun
  • This is not manufactured, like the DeSantis administration’s obsession with bogus fluoride studies or vaccine conspiracies.
    Sun Sentinel Editorial Board, Sun Sentinel, 12 Mar. 2026
  • Born blind and yearning for connection, his early obsession with the telephone sparks a subculture that shapes the future of hacking and technology.
    Matthew Carey, Deadline, 12 Mar. 2026
Noun
  • The revelation demonstrates another way in which black holes and neutron stars push the laws of physics, and casts doubt on assumptions regarding the formation and evolution of these mixed binary systems.
    Robert Lea, Space.com, 11 Mar. 2026
  • Miss Manners suggests compassion, dignity and an assumption of goodwill and good intentions.
    Judith Martin, Mercury News, 11 Mar. 2026
Noun
  • Then there was the pesky problem of Big Ten travel.
    Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 8 Mar. 2026
  • Maddix was born by emergency C-section with an enlarged heart that was causing a laundry list of other medical problems.
    Libby Smith, CBS News, 7 Mar. 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 14 Mar. 2026.

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