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 Written by Cole Escola and directed by Sam Pinkleton, the play reimagines the former first lady as a wannabe cabaret singer with a predilection for drinking and disdain for her husband, the President of the United States. — Caitlin Huston, HollywoodReporter, 4 Aug. 2026 The Phillies have tried to balance their predilection toward riskier, high-ceiling players with the college pitchers. — Matt Gelb, New York Times, 24 July 2026 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 See All Example Sentences for predilection
Recent Examples of Synonyms for predilection
Noun
  • For Guimaraes, a veteran community builder, the impulse behind Fashion Forward was born out of a sharp realization that the industry’s greatest bottleneck was its tendency to preach to its own choir.
    — Arthur Zaczkiewicz, Footwear News, 13 Oct. 2026
  • The project places her among a wave of next-gen electronic artists like Ninajirachi, 2hollis and Jane Remover, all of whom are currently making left of center dance music with strong pop tendencies.
    — Katie Bain, Billboard, 13 Oct. 2026
Noun
  • At Roberto Cavalli, makeup artist Yadim had the same inclination for highly pigmented metallic shades, a choice that punctuated key looks also at Jil Sander.
    — Sandra Salibian, Footwear News, 9 Oct. 2026
  • OpenAI’s closest rival, Anthropic, has shown no inclination to delay its own IPO, which is expected sometime before year’s end.
    — Alyson Shontell, Fortune, 5 Oct. 2026
Noun
  • The Duke then entered the Royal Military Academy at Sandhurst, where his aptitude for foreign languages was recognized with a prize.
    — Stephanie Bridger-Linning, Vanity Fair, 10 Oct. 2026
  • Naturally, his work at Celine has now been put in conversation with hers, especially because both designers share an aptitude for creating clothes real people want to wear–and, therefore, many of the same fans.
    — Joan Kennedy, Vogue, 2 Oct. 2026
Noun
  • These devices allow consumers to access movies, television series, live sports broadcasts and other content without authorization from copyright holders.
    — Marcelo Cajueiro, Variety, 12 Oct. 2026
  • No additional shots were fired after police arrived, Lorah said, adding that sounds later mistaken for gunfire came from flash-bang devices used by SWAT officers.
    — Eric Mack, FOXNews.com, 12 Oct. 2026
Noun
  • If a robot has a clearly un-human form, human affinity for the machine rises, Mori argued.
    — Daniel Hernandez, Los Angeles Times, 14 Oct. 2026
  • The reason isn’t that nature has a particular affinity for mathematics.
    — Manon Bischoff, Scientific American, 13 Oct. 2026
Noun
  • The intensity of their yearning has only increased on their second album, Nature’s Pill—and that’s no easy feat, considering this is a band whose breakout track opens with the narrator prostrating himself before the object of his affection.
    — Colin Joyce, Pitchfork, 14 Oct. 2026
  • Despite his training in fine dining, what motivates him is the warmth and affection of home cooking.
    — Rafaela Bassili, Vulture, 13 Oct. 2026

Browse Nearby Words

Podcast

Cite this Entry

“Predilection.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/predilection. Accessed 16 Oct. 2026.

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