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
  • Seasonal tendencies are challenging, though everyone knows this.
    Michael Santoli, CNBC, 15 Sep. 2026
  • Everything else emerged from that — even her more off-kilter tendencies.
    Entertainment Weekly, Entertainment Weekly, 15 Sep. 2026
Noun
  • In 2024, the Caltech team presented additional findings, which specifically focused on long-period, low-inclination objects that are known to traverse Neptune's orbit.
    Micah Hanks, Space.com, 14 Sep. 2026
  • Unlike Emery’s inclination for new signings to bed in, Jackson has had no period of grace.
    Jacob Tanswell, New York Times, 9 Sep. 2026
Noun
  • Lewis-Skelly has shown an aptitude for more 360-degree defending and dropping to protect his centre-backs and goalkeeper.
    Thom Harris, New York Times, 4 Sep. 2026
  • How could King draw with such aptitude and still struggle to talk?
    Laura Preston, New Yorker, 30 Aug. 2026
Noun
  • Based on the novel by Daniel Pinkwater, Lizard Music follows a boy (Leber) left to his own devices who stumbles upon a secret late-night broadcast of lizards playing otherworldly music — a hidden door to the extraordinary then swinging open.
    Matt Grobar, Deadline, 14 Sep. 2026
  • Anyone using their phone during the set will be escorted out of the venue, and if needed, devices can be unlocked and used in special areas of each venue.
    Jaeden Pinder, Rolling Stone, 14 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
  • Marian Keyes’ beloved characters were brilliantly brought to life by Stefanie Preissner and directed with real affection by Ian Fitzgibbon.
    Stewart Clarke, Deadline, 14 Sep. 2026
  • In recent conversations with The Athletic, two coaches with deep affection for their alma mater described having the Camp Randall rug yanked from underneath them.
    Tim Graham, New York Times, 13 Sep. 2026

Browse Nearby Words

Podcast

Cite this Entry

“Predilection.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/predilection. Accessed 18 Sep. 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