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 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 Not the irony of having a skin-lightening condition (or predilection) while singlehandedly Blackening up the portals of pop music by integrating a music video network that upheld America's racist standard of (in)visibility. Rodney Carmichael, NPR, 3 June 2026 The president seemingly both relates to, and badly needs to rely on, allies who share his predilection for violating laws and human decency. Jonathan Chait, The Atlantic, 27 May 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 rocket reached an orbit approximately 280 miles (450 kilometers) high at an inclination of 60 degrees to the equator, quite close to preflight predictions.
    Stephen Clark, ArsTechnica, 24 July 2026
  • Emery’s inclination for wide forwards is well known, but acutely demonstrated in Garnacho’s case.
    Chris Weatherspoon, New York Times, 22 July 2026
Noun
  • 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
  • Valeri, who began playing at age 4 in his Buenos Aires suburb, said the futbol passion and aptitude run deep in a country where community pride infuses youth-club rivalries and street soccer prevails in many neighborhoods.
    Tom Krasovic, San Diego Union-Tribune, 19 July 2026
Noun
  • The accessibility features on smartphones (and other devices) can be game changers.
    R. Eric Thomas, Denver Post, 28 July 2026
  • Especially for companies such as Samsung, which have been historically known for other capabilities such as hardware and devices, the investment in software, especially for healthcare, is an exciting signal for the industry.
    Forbes.com, Forbes.com, 28 July 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
  • By contrast, Hemingway's affection for daiquiris is well-documented.
    Peter Burke, FOXNews.com, 21 July 2026
  • Kelly grew up in West Orange, New Jersey, in an Irish Catholic household of little outward affection and high tumult.
    Mark Leibovich, The Atlantic, 20 July 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Predilection.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/predilection. Accessed 1 Aug. 2026.

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