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

Taken in context with previous research, the new findings suggest that the steady loss of Y chromosomes in a space creates localized inflammation, triggering tissues to go into a mode that predisposes them to cancer. — Mike McRae 20, New Atlas, 21 Sep. 2026

The same features that allow DNA transposons and retrotransposons to move within a genome also predispose them to moving between genomes. — Jake Buehler, Quanta Magazine, 21 Sep. 2026

Medvedev, 30, is having the kind of season that might drive a player toward intrusive, existential thoughts — even before considering the fact that he is predisposed to them like few sports stars are. — James Hansen, New York Times, 26 Aug. 2026

Mice predisposed to retinal disease were being guarded and watched, around the clock, like tiny celebrities. — E. Tammy Kim, New Yorker, 15 Aug. 2026