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

In other words, organisms are adapted — genetically predisposed — to achieve things by various means, and the goal is the aspect of fitness the behavior serves. — Quanta Magazine, 8 July 2026

The autopsy and other testing revealed that the Wahls have a genetic mutation that predisposes them to aortic ruptures. — Pj Green, Kansas City Star, 8 July 2026

One thing that's helped us tremendously in Sub-Saharan Africa is the PEPFAR program and immunization programs, in which people there thank the United States and are predisposed to work with us. — Margaret Brennan, CBS News, 28 June 2026

Further testing two years later found that the family might be predisposed to ovarian or breast cancer, Evert told PBS in September 2022. — Nasha Smith, PEOPLE, 28 June 2026