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 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 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 See All Example Sentences for predilection
Recent Examples of Synonyms for predilection
Noun
  • Digital life has turned this psychological tendency into a permanent condition.
    — Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 22 Sep. 2026
  • The poem is about this tendency toward earth, the temptation—the closest thing to bliss in these poems—to abandon yourself to the funk of the soil and the heat of the sun.
    — Max Norman, Harpers Magazine, 22 Sep. 2026
Noun
  • The trustees feared that if something happened to him, his heir apparent, Robert Kahn, would replace him, and it was known that Kahn had Zionistic inclinations.
    — Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 22 Sep. 2026
  • Especially with early-stage organizations, there is a natural inclination to change too quickly.
    — Expert Panel®, Forbes.com, 18 Sep. 2026
Noun
  • But their aptitude and affection for the sport would be passed down through two different families in two different states, from one generation to the next, before reaching Luke and his brothers.
    — Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 17 Sep. 2026
  • Training can improve technique and consistency, but leaders should also be honest about the role of natural aptitude.
    — Matthew Darienzo, Forbes.com, 14 Sep. 2026
Noun
  • Underwater solar power The researchers were looking to ways to power up underwater sensors, cameras, detectors, communication systems and other such devices using solar energy.
    — Ameya Paleja, Interesting Engineering, 21 Sep. 2026
  • Before your treatment, find out what products and devices will be used, the recovery process, and potential complications.
    — Anna Haines, Condé Nast Traveler, 21 Sep. 2026
Noun
  • College football has gone national, abandoning regional affinities and local rivalries.
    — Ian Bogost, The Atlantic, 17 Sep. 2026
  • Xi has overtly revealed his affinity for legalism, as Mao did decades earlier.
    — Orville Schell, Foreign Affairs, 16 Sep. 2026
Noun
  • There is a level of attention, sure, but that becomes affection and a sense of companionship.
    — Rafa Sales Ross, Variety, 21 Sep. 2026
  • Philippe recalled receiving illustrated letters almost every week, filled with drawings, doodles and notes of affection.
    — Tara Anne Dalbow, Los Angeles Times, 21 Sep. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Predilection.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/predilection. Accessed 25 Sep. 2026.

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