Definition of predilectionnext

Synonym Chooser

How does the noun predilection contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of predilection are bias, prejudice, and prepossession. While all these words mean "an attitude of mind that predisposes one to favor something," predilection implies a strong liking deriving from one's temperament or experience.

a predilection for travel

When could bias be used to replace predilection?

Although the words bias and predilection have much in common, bias implies an unreasoned and unfair distortion of judgment in favor of or against a person or thing.

a strong bias toward the plaintiff

When is it sensible to use prejudice instead of predilection?

The words prejudice and predilection can be used in similar contexts, but prejudice usually implies an unfavorable prepossession and connotes a feeling rooted in suspicion, fear, or intolerance.

a mindless prejudice against the unfamiliar

When can prepossession be used instead of predilection?

While the synonyms prepossession and predilection are close in meaning, prepossession suggests a fixed conception likely to preclude objective judgment of anything counter to it.

a prepossession against technology

Example Sentences

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.
Recent Examples of predilection Thankfully, there’s a wonderful piece of technology called AI out there that’s perfect for realizing the juvenile aesthetic predilections of stunted creatives who want to wallow in an imagined idea of what the past was like. Frank Landymore, Futurism, 22 July 2026 Specifically more in the air and more to leftfield, given his past predilection to focus on the right side of the field, with his high-contact, low-strikeout approach that seems a contradiction to his muscular, slugger-type build. Marc Topkin, The Orlando Sentinel, 27 June 2026 Up until now, Rodrigo’s style reflected that musical predilection, with the singer’s rotation of plaid miniskirts and platform boots often landing as a hybrid mix between Gwen Stefani and Cher Horowitz. Chelsey Sanchez, CNN Money, 25 June 2026 Must enjoy long hours, a fluid work schedule — and an editorial chief with predilection for generating controversy. Brian Steinberg, Variety, 9 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for predilection
Recent Examples of Synonyms for predilection
Noun
  • Boards that recognize and overcome these tendencies are far more likely to create lasting value than those that monitor management.
    James Langabeer, Forbes.com, 6 Aug. 2026
  • The zoological and mythographic tendencies of Caillois are by no means out of place here.
    Jan Tumlir, Artforum, 5 Aug. 2026
Noun
  • The inclination to boycott an organization was fairly consistent across party lines—48% of Democrats and 40% of Republicans.
    Edward Segal, Forbes.com, 1 Aug. 2026
  • Undoubtedly, a 3-4-2-1 delivered the best results last season, but the manager’s natural inclination is to play with four defenders.
    Luke Bosher, New York Times, 31 July 2026
Noun
  • After all, this golf pro and I – given my low golf aptitude at the time – would be spending a lot of time together.
    Moira McCarthy, Boston Herald, 6 Aug. 2026
  • Interrogations into rabbit vampirism aside, Bunnicula compelled me most because its narrator is a dog—one who, despite his aptitude for writing, cannot otherwise communicate with people.
    Rachel Vorona Cote, The Atlantic, 30 July 2026
Noun
  • Kevin Lamarque | Reuters Instead of seeing supercomputers as devices that customers buy and use — the argument goes — these systems, filled with Nvidia's graphics processing units that can cost $3 million per rack, look like profitable investments.
    Kif Leswing, CNBC, 11 Aug. 2026
  • Technology has significantly evolved since then, with 80% of 911 calls nationwide coming from wireless mobile devices rather than landlines tied to specific addresses.
    Sophia Eppley, AJC.com, 10 Aug. 2026
Noun
  • Shoppers with an affinity for cottagecore design have met their match.
    Nashia Baker, Architectural Digest, 6 Aug. 2026
  • Strategic partnerships are crucial, expanding where points can be earned and spent across diverse brands, reinforcing brand affinity.
    Jeff Fromm, Forbes.com, 6 Aug. 2026
Noun
  • Rhaenyra shows no affection whatsoever to her heir, Joffrey, and only shows signs of any warmth at all when speaking with Daemon about taking back Tumbleton from Lord Ormund and the Hightowers.
    Erik Kain, Forbes.com, 10 Aug. 2026
  • In one room, Catherine is getting promises of unconditional love and affection from Alden, a man who would never harm her.
    Erin Qualey, Vulture, 10 Aug. 2026

Browse Nearby Words

Podcast

Cite this Entry

“Predilection.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/predilection. Accessed 13 Aug. 2026.

More from Merriam-Webster on predilection

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

More from Merriam-Webster