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
  • There is a tendency for gloom to descend when thinking about Europe’s economic and business prospects.
    Kamal Ahmed, Fortune, 3 Sep. 2026
  • Bonnell The enthusiast’s approach Bonnell’s team uses matters because electric motorcycles have an annoying tendency to make power delivery either spectacularly good or spectacularly stupid.
    New Atlas, New Atlas, 2 Sep. 2026
Noun
  • The film’s procedural aspect ticks along just fine, holding the attention without subverting expectations, and carried by actors who, much like the detectives in this case, are ultra-capable professionals with no inclination to go rogue on us.
    Guy Lodge, Variety, 28 Aug. 2026
  • Collectively, that inclination could lead to bills soaring ever higher.
    Audrey McGlinchy, Los Angeles Times, 26 Aug. 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
  • The devices are priced from 19,999 yuan ($2,980), with the top-end version costing 24,999 yuan ($3,725).
    Reuters, NBC news, 8 Sep. 2026
  • That makes SiC devices particularly attractive for electric vehicles, charging infrastructure, industrial power systems, and other applications where electrical efficiency and heat management are important.
    Christopher McFadden, Interesting Engineering, 7 Sep. 2026
Noun
  • As opposed to infantile regression, the oceanic feeling can also be understood as a means of recapturing a repressed sense of relation, connection, affinities.
    George Baker, Artforum, 1 Sep. 2026
  • Bellow felt an affinity with Kennedy’s combination of low-life high jinks, human frailty, and virtuoso style.
    Cynthia Zarin, Harpers Magazine, 1 Sep. 2026
Noun
  • As Flores was still celebrating, Bjornsson — the previous deadlift world-record holder (510kg) — stomped up to him and reached out to grasp his rival, but only to offer a congratulatory hug of genuine warmth and affection.
    Rob Tanner, New York Times, 8 Sep. 2026
  • If the jokes seem a bit more exaggerated this time and their bond much less complex, the palpable affection coursing between Kidman and Bullock remains as sturdy a foundation as ever.
    Angie Han, HollywoodReporter, 8 Sep. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Predilection.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/predilection. Accessed 9 Sep. 2026.

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