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 But with a predilection for risk taking among K-pop generally and BLACKPINK specifically — along with a famously devoted fanbase that celebrates and elevates most anything the group does — the song had finally landed with the right act. Katie Bain, Billboard, 23 July 2025 Equal to Trump’s predilection for tariffs has been his administration’s unwillingness to enforce them. Emma Burleigh, Fortune, 11 July 2025 The trick is to help young people manage such predilections safely. Maia Szalavitz, Scientific American, 7 July 2025 At one point, Diddy’s defense suggested that his predilection was a run-of-the-mill thing people were into — cuckolding. Victoria Bekiempis, Vulture, 26 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for predilection
Recent Examples of Synonyms for predilection
Noun
  • One of the issues Bayandir had had this season is his tendency to not parry the ball to the sides.
    Conor O'Neill, New York Times, 29 Sep. 2025
  • However, leaders can have a tendency to try to optimize inefficient processes with shiny new tech instead of questioning their existence.
    Mike Hoffman, Fortune, 28 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • Redford also shared that despite his inclination to public service, his ambitions were not political.
    Angela Andaloro, PEOPLE, 26 Sep. 2025
  • After launch, the craft was placed into a polar orbit roughly 230 to 236 miles (370 to 380 kilometers) in altitude at an inclination of roughly 97 degrees.
    Leonard David, Space.com, 23 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • Bo showed the temperament needed and the aptitude to become a therapy dog.
    Craig Shoup, Nashville Tennessean, 28 Sep. 2025
  • As a child, Infiniti showed an interest in and an aptitude for performing.
    Seija Rankin, HollywoodReporter, 26 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • As such, more will be required than a World Cup ticket, particularly because physical tickets are vulnerable to counterfeiting, while electronic devices, which may ordinarily be a way to show authentic tickets, are usually forbidden in consular buildings where interviews take place.
    Adam Crafton, New York Times, 2 Oct. 2025
  • Nielsen’s streaming ratings cover viewing on TV sets only and don’t include minutes watched on computers or mobile devices.
    Rick Porter, HollywoodReporter, 2 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • Their immediate affinity, set at the very height of the Cold War, represents a common European culture based on reading and the arts that defied borders and ideologies.
    AudioFile Magazine September 30, Literary Hub, 30 Sep. 2025
  • Most tequila recipes are bright and refreshing, leaning on the spirit’s inherent affinity for sunshine.
    Jeremy Repanich, Robb Report, 27 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • Anyone who’s had a peaceful fall day interrupted by the loud sound of a leaf blower is likely to have a little more affection for leaf rakes.
    Luke Miller, Better Homes & Gardens, 28 Sep. 2025
  • The director’s affection for America extends beyond cosmopolitan centers, too.
    Nick Lichtenberg, Fortune, 28 Sep. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Predilection.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/predilection. Accessed 4 Oct. 2025.

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