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 Written by Cole Escola and directed by Sam Pinkleton, the play reimagines the former first lady as a wannabe cabaret singer with a predilection for drinking and disdain for her husband, the President of the United States. — Caitlin Huston, HollywoodReporter, 4 Aug. 2026 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 See All Example Sentences for predilection
Recent Examples of Synonyms for predilection
Noun
  • Also exiled upstairs was Isabelle's mother, who had one foot in this world and one on the celestial plane, which resulted in a tendency to expose excess emotion and confide too much in strangers.
    — CBS News, CBS News, 10 Nov. 2026
  • Presidents and their advisers have always had to guard against confirmation bias, our tendency to interpret evidence in light of our pre-existing beliefs and to under-weigh or dismiss facts that point to the contrary.
    — Keren Yarhi-Milo, Time, 8 Nov. 2026
Noun
  • There may be no bias as prevalent in politics and rhetoric as recency bias, the inclination to give disproportionate emphasis to recent events and statements rather than historical overview and contemplation.
    — Richard E. Vatz, Baltimore Sun, 8 Nov. 2026
  • Bipartisan cooperation is not likely to be the first inclination of either party.
    — John T. Shaw, Chicago Tribune, 8 Nov. 2026
Noun
  • Even entering the simplest numbers therefore requires a lot of time and patience (as well as a certain aptitude for arithmetic).
    — Manon Bischoff, Scientific American, 3 Nov. 2026
  • The Duke then entered the Royal Military Academy at Sandhurst, where his aptitude for foreign languages was recognized with a prize.
    — Stephanie Bridger-Linning, Vanity Fair, 10 Oct. 2026
Noun
  • The highly customizable shapes enable applications ranging from drug delivery systems to energy storage devices.
    — Mrigakshi Dixit, Interesting Engineering, 2 Nov. 2026
  • That includes implementing basic but effective cybersecurity measures such as making sure devices are up to date, limiting administrator access to systems and backing up important files and data, the NCSC said.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 2 Nov. 2026
Noun
  • Her voice has a clear affinity with Vashti Bunyan’s, possessing a maternal warmth and formal poise that can sound tender without becoming mannered.
    — Emma Madden, Pitchfork, 4 Nov. 2026
  • The Gossip Girl alum, whose on-screen alter ego was rarely one to shy away from a fabulous party and who, IRL, famously styles herself, has long shared that affinity for dressing up.
    — Anna Cafolla, Vogue, 4 Nov. 2026
Noun
  • Americans have not necessarily acquired a sudden affection for the Democratic Party.
    — Robert T.F. Downes, Hartford Courant, 10 Nov. 2026
  • For all of North of North’s affection for slow-burn romance and willingness to objectify Ice Cove’s hottest citizens, the Siaja-Neevee relationship is the core of the show, and the season embraces its tumultuousness and tenderness with deep feeling.
    — Roxana Hadadi, Vulture, 5 Nov. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Predilection.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/predilection. Accessed 13 Nov. 2026.

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