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 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 Luna’s love of the sport also stems from his late father and his lifelong predilection for Liga MX’s Pumas squad. Carlos Aguilar, Los Angeles Times, 4 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for predilection
Recent Examples of Synonyms for predilection
Noun
  • That tendency toward downbeat storytelling has befallen many Spider-Man films over the years.
    David Sims, The Atlantic, 30 July 2026
  • The Alpha Capricornids may fare a little better because of their tendency to produce brilliant fireballs capable of shining through the moonlight.
    Jamie Carter, Forbes.com, 30 July 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
  • 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
  • Mox shoved Rick Knox, who still didn’t have the guts or aptitude to call for a disqualification.
    Alfred Konuwa, Forbes.com, 26 July 2026
Noun
  • Social media platforms like Instagram may also have security settings to review devices that have access to your account.
    Auzinea Bacon, CNN Money, 4 Aug. 2026
  • Unlike an Amazon Alexa smart speaker and other devices that wait for a command to activate, the ElliQ is designed to be proactive.
    Marco Quiroz-Gutierrez, Fortune, 3 Aug. 2026
Noun
  • Across global basketball, fintech and payments companies have identified the sport as a high-affinity channel for reaching digitally native, financially active audiences.
    Agung Dwi Sandi, Forbes.com, 28 July 2026
  • The title track is packed with saw synths, flutes, and squeaking leads—all inside an arrangement that’s an early picture of the duo’s affinity for baroque compositions and aesthetics.
    Billie Bugara, Pitchfork, 27 July 2026
Noun
  • They were first popularized in Georgian England as small tokens of affection, infatuation or mourning, and examples are scattered across major museums such as the Victoria & Albert Museum in London and the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York.
    Jacqui Palumbo, CNN Money, 3 Aug. 2026
  • The touches of that child-like wonder and affection for their long-running fans was clear throughout Sunday’s show, from the vintage, colorful special effects to the band’s nostalgic set with callbacks to previous KC appearances.
    Sophie Lindberg, Kansas City Star, 3 Aug. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Predilection.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/predilection. Accessed 7 Aug. 2026.

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