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
  • Career Fit Is a Business Issue There is a persistent tendency in the legal profession to interpret difficulty in a role as a personal shortcoming.
    Malana VanTyler, USA Today, 26 Aug. 2026
  • The National Association of Theatre Owners changed its name last year to Cinema United, which is more aspirational than descriptive, as Aron — a board member — has a tendency to go his own way.
    Gene Maddaus, Variety, 25 Aug. 2026
Noun
  • Collectively, that inclination could lead to bills soaring ever higher.
    Audrey McGlinchy, Los Angeles Times, 26 Aug. 2026
  • But analysts at the time cautioned that Beijing had neither the capability nor inclination to pressure either side into negotiating.
    Evelyn Cheng, CNBC, 25 Aug. 2026
Noun
  • Their scouting evaluation, comprehensive enough to unearth the aptitude beneath that bushy head of hair, compelled the team to select Bredeson in the fifth round of the 2026 draft.
    Alec Lewis, New York Times, 18 Aug. 2026
  • Always consider whether extra effort in the workplace is worth it, because there could be more effective ways to demonstrate your aptitude.
    Chris Dobstaff, Forbes.com, 17 Aug. 2026
Noun
  • Arm moves into mainframes Arm processors have become widely used across cloud infrastructure, mobile devices and increasingly AI computing.
    Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 25 Aug. 2026
  • Philadelphia School District officials told CBS News Philadelphia that schools are responsible for determining how students' devices will be secured during the school day.
    Wakisha Bailey, CBS News, 24 Aug. 2026
Noun
  • For Collins, the aspect of his personal investments that has gained the most attention is his affinity for cryptocurrencies.
    Isaac Sabetai, AJC.com, 24 Aug. 2026
  • As a result, a single disclosure can be amplified through viral content and affinity networks faster than conventional security planning can react.
    Control Risks, Forbes.com, 20 Aug. 2026
Noun
  • Their affection feels genuine, which makes the fault lines beneath it more troubling.
    Dave Quinn, PEOPLE, 26 Aug. 2026
  • Freedom thought Cloud went low, needling him with accusations of trying to win Cunningham’s affection.
    Jerry Brewer, New York Times, 25 Aug. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Predilection.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/predilection. Accessed 28 Aug. 2026.

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