predispose

as in to influence
formal to cause (someone) to be more likely to behave in a particular way or to be affected by a particular condition Past experiences have predisposed her to distrust people. Researchers have identified a gene that may predispose some people to the disease.

Synonyms & Similar Words

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How is the word predispose different from other verbs like it?

Some common synonyms of predispose are bias, dispose, and incline. While all these words mean "to influence one to have or take an attitude toward something," predispose implies the operation of a disposing influence well in advance of the opportunity to manifest itself.

does fictional violence predispose them to accept real violence?

When is it sensible to use bias instead of predispose?

The words bias and predispose are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, bias suggests a settled and predictable leaning in one direction and connotes unfair prejudice.

the experience biased him against foreigners

When is dispose a more appropriate choice than predispose?

While the synonyms dispose and predispose are close in meaning, dispose suggests an affecting of one's mood or temper so as to incline one toward something.

her nature disposes her to trust others

Where would incline be a reasonable alternative to predispose?

While in some cases nearly identical to predispose, incline implies a tendency to favor one of two or more actions or conclusions.

I incline to agree

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 predispose Cardiologists say the findings are a critical step toward treating the millions of Americans genetically predisposed to abnormally high levels of Lp(a). Elizabeth Robinson, NBC news, 31 Mar. 2025 The defendant in the case had been featured on an episode of the show that aired before his trial, and attorney Chase Dearman was concerned fans would be predisposed to find his client guilty. Jessica Lussenhop, ProPublica, 29 Mar. 2025 For sure, but I’m predisposed to enjoy baroque high-fantasy cast-of-thousands storytelling and an appreciation for camp. Sean T. Collins, Vulture, 27 Mar. 2025 For starters, some people might just be genetically predisposed, based on the way bacteria can latch onto their cells or how their immune system functions. Korin Miller, SELF, 17 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for predispose
Recent Examples of Synonyms for predispose
Verb
  • The proof of the machine’s handicapping chops — or more accurately, the proof of the machine’s programmers’ handicapping chops in weighting the hundreds of factors influencing Thoroughbred performance — will be in the proverbial pudding.
    Guy Martin, Forbes.com, 17 May 2025
  • Jon Devine, senior economist at Cotton Incorporated, keeps key stakeholders in the textile and investment communities informed via timely market analyses of commodity economics and factors influencing their stability.
    SJ Guest Editorial, Sourcing Journal, 16 May 2025
Verb
  • Defensive coordinator Jesse Minter was already on the phone, trying to persuade Jones to sign with the Chargers, but Tart’s phone calls served to seal the deal for Jones, who also had played with current Chargers Bud Dupree, an outside linebacker, and Elijah Molden, a safety, while with the Titans.
    Elliott Teaford, Oc Register, 13 May 2025
  • For Syria’s new government, this will be their opportunity to persuade the new administration to do business with a country coming out of a devastating 13-year civil war and mend ties with a leader who was once aligned with the Islamic State and al Qaeda.
    Chris Massaro, FOXNews.com, 13 May 2025
Verb
  • His father just loved him and convinced him everything’s possible; in an Italian [household], these are clichés.
    Mike Fleming Jr, Deadline, 15 May 2025
  • Once children were in an orphanage, parents could be convinced – or coerced – into relinquishing them for adoption.
    Time, Time, 15 May 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Predispose.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/predispose. Accessed 22 May. 2025.

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