Synonyms of predispose

predispose

verb

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.

Related Words

• influence
• persuade
• convince
• dispose
• incline
• prepare
• fit
• ready
• suggest
• sway
• lay
• prepossess
• groom
• fix
• prep
• bias
• prejudice
• poison

Synonym Chooser

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

Recent Examples of predispose

These children are constitutionally predisposed to being sensitive to the feelings of others and may try to please others at their own expense. —Lauryn Higgins, Parents, 7 July 2025

Born January 6, 2002, in Houston, Texas, Taylor was always predisposed to adversity and competition. —Devon Henderson, Oc Register, 6 July 2025

The Second Commandment notwithstanding, thou shalt honor the gifts bestowed by Providence that predispose thine tendency to acquire more plants and weirder plants than their less well blessed and marginally more rational brethren. —Paul Cappiello, The Courier-Journal, 2 July 2025

This doesn’t play well with guys predisposed to neurosis anyway. —Joe Soucheray, Twin Cities, 5 July 2025