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.

Synonyms & Similar 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

The scan is recommended for some people with cancer or those who are predisposed to it, but there are risks, too. —Kristen Fischer, Health, 14 Mar. 2025

One that my sister and I are both genetically predisposed to. —Jack Beresford, MSNBC Newsweek, 19 May 2025

Particle pollution from wildfires emit small particles and irritants that can get deposited in the lungs and predispose to chronic medical conditions such as asthma and chronic obstructive lung disease. —Omer Awan, Forbes.com, 26 Apr. 2025

Some Republicans remain predisposed towards few if any trade barriers, while others are simply worried about their political standing back home. —Andrew Solender, Axios, 8 Apr. 2025