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
  • The perfect cup of coffee with Kevin Costner After reading prior interviews Costner had done with other outlets, one thing felt surprising given the actor's tendency toward the ruggedly handsome, cowboy archetype.
    — Kelsey Legg, ABC News, 28 Sep. 2026
  • Not as praiseworthy is a tendency to dislike being told what to do, and in proving a point, to not only cut off their nose to spite their face but to lop off their heads as well.
    — Gustavo Arellano, Los Angeles Times, 25 Sep. 2026
Noun
  • And a lot of the time, people who have these kinds of inclinations towards children are people who were children who were abused themselves.
    — CT Jones, Rolling Stone, 25 Sep. 2026
  • If all goes according to plan, Electron will launch the Owlright, Owlright, Owlright payload into a 37-degree orbital inclination, for deployment at a LEO altitude of 347 miles (559 kilometers).
    — Josh Dinner, Space.com, 25 Sep. 2026
Noun
  • But their aptitude and affection for the sport would be passed down through two different families in two different states, from one generation to the next, before reaching Luke and his brothers.
    — Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 17 Sep. 2026
  • Training can improve technique and consistency, but leaders should also be honest about the role of natural aptitude.
    — Matthew Darienzo, Forbes.com, 14 Sep. 2026
Noun
  • These devices, and more than a dozen others, are included in the latest update of STAT’s Breakthrough Device Tracker, which since 2022 has captured nearly 800 devices reported to have FDA breakthrough status.
    — Katie Palmer, STAT, 29 Sep. 2026
  • The Chinese list of US products that will be subject to lower tariffs covers 1,619 items, including corn, wheat, frozen meat, seafood, wood products, cosmetics and medical devices, according to a list published by the White House.
    — Hanna Ziady, CNN Money, 28 Sep. 2026
Noun
  • The moment highlights Ali’s affinity for fashion, often captured through WWD’s lens, which, like his presence in the ring, is rendered with precision through Parks’ exacting gaze.
    — Tonya Blazio-Licorish, Footwear News, 24 Sep. 2026
  • But his affinity for American writing was, at heart, existential.
    — Max Norman, Harpers Magazine, 22 Sep. 2026
Noun
  • With the Moon in your sign opposing Venus in your partnership zone, affection could feel wonderful one minute and intrusive the next.
    — Tarot.com, Baltimore Sun, 29 Sep. 2026
  • Inside, the hotel's affection for old Florida reveals itself one detail at a time.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 29 Sep. 2026

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Cite this Entry

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

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