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

Examples of predilection in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web Writing Madwoman forced me to see the ways my earliest traumatic experiences have shaped my predilections in every way and affected my attraction and desire in the context of intimate partnership. Chelsea Bieker, Peoplemag, 25 July 2024 Rural areas will not be able to take advantage of the growing predilection for remote work, for instance, in the absence of high-quality digital connectivity and public services. Marie Hyland, Foreign Affairs, 23 May 2024 One is Brandon Miller, who had a stellar rookie season and — unlike LaMelo Ball — showed a predilection last season for durability. Scott Fowler, Charlotte Observer, 25 June 2024 Lee’s religious upbringing under a controlling mother might have something to do with the murders — along with the fact that Lee has a psychic predilection for deciphering evidence. Ryan Lattanzio, IndieWire, 24 June 2024 See all Example Sentences for predilection 

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'predilection.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

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Cite this Entry

“Predilection.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/predilection. Accessed 13 Oct. 2024.

More from Merriam-Webster on predilection

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