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 Should baseball ever overcome its predilection for stuffing old men into polyester double-knits, the reversal would feel like a great loss. Anthony Crupi, Sportico.com, 13 Mar. 2026 Peggy isn’t panicked by her son’s alpha-male predilections. Amy Nicholson, Los Angeles Times, 5 Feb. 2026 Trump’s predilection for executive action over legislative dealmaking should concern supporters and bring some measure of comfort to his detractors. Abby McCloskey, Twin Cities, 5 Feb. 2026 Dealmaking is most naturally at home in foreign policy and trade, and the president’s predilection for it has surely contributed to his growing focus on international affairs. Yuval Levin, The Atlantic, 20 Jan. 2026 See All Example Sentences for predilection
Recent Examples of Synonyms for predilection
Noun
  • Fortunately, Sanctions balances its downer tendencies with moments of levity and peculiar arrangements that only Souled American could have concocted.
    Zach Schonfeld, Pitchfork, 17 Apr. 2026
  • The tendency to dig your own hole is ironic, and history is a great teacher.
    Voice of the People, New York Daily News, 17 Apr. 2026
Noun
  • Who knew that such daring would lead to a film that avoids these inclinations entirely, especially one that could have so easily leaned into controversial territory?
    David Opie, IndieWire, 15 Apr. 2026
  • The 11 satellites on board are flying to a mid-inclination orbit.
    Richard Tribou, The Orlando Sentinel, 14 Apr. 2026
Noun
  • There’s enough aptitude on the roster and the front office to make a wild-card bid work.
    Tom Krasovic, San Diego Union-Tribune, 13 Apr. 2026
  • Mark Ruffin, a onetime music director at WBEE, recalled Alston’s enterprising nature and her aptitude for sales.
    Bob Goldsborough, Chicago Tribune, 9 Apr. 2026
Noun
  • Prosecutors say the pair threw two devices containing the explosive TATP and shrapnel, but the jar-sized bombs failed to detonate.
    Erica Byfield, NBC news, 16 Apr. 2026
  • This nifty little Anker portable power bank can juice up small devices (think AirPods, iPads, and phones) in a pinch.
    Abbey Hudetz, Travel + Leisure, 16 Apr. 2026
Noun
  • Later in life, Keno’s children teased him about his affection for bottle corks and a seemingly random affinity for crafting.
    Kendrick Calfee, Kansas City Star, 22 Apr. 2026
  • The new project highlights their natural chemistry and clear affinity for the So Much Fun era—the kids are definitely still alright.
    Hattie Lindert, Pitchfork, 17 Apr. 2026
Noun
  • Famous for her affection towards corgis, the future queen cuddled a Pembroke Welsh corgi in April 1940.
    Stephanie Sengwe, PEOPLE, 21 Apr. 2026
  • In the wake of Soldier Boy’s resurrection, Homelander is desperate to earn some fatherly affection.
    Ben Rosenstock, Vulture, 15 Apr. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Predilection.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/predilection. Accessed 23 Apr. 2026.

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