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.

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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 Make sure to talk to your doctor before taking high doses of vitamin D. The best way to manage sunburns is to prevent them, especially if you are predisposed to getting them. Sherri Gordon, Health, 19 Aug. 2025 But Johnson was predisposed to not liking Simmons, and here’s why: Johnson is from Orangeburg, South Carolina — the same hometown as Clemson quarterback Woodrow Dantzler III. Walter Villa, Miami Herald, 19 Aug. 2025 Walking daily can also lower risk of dementia or cognitive decline in people predisposed to developing Alzheimer’s, according to recent research. Gina Park, CNN Money, 11 Aug. 2025 Humans are genetically predisposed to love sauce. Heather Schroering, Bon Appetit Magazine, 6 Aug. 2025 See All Example Sentences for predispose
Recent Examples of Synonyms for predispose
Verb
  • Its experts know that identifying the factors influencing home prices goes beyond bare-bones data like bedroom or bathroom counts.
    Mary Beth Eastman, USA Today, 25 Sep. 2025
  • If backlash from Hollywood talent or streaming customers canceling their Disney+ influenced Iger to reinstate Kimmel, the conglomerate model served a purpose — maybe not for shareholders, but for society.
    Liz Hoffman, semafor.com, 25 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • Instead, Pittsburgh’s defense rested on the idea that the taxes equal out when considering the school-district tax—a point, as explained above, that failed to persuade the judges who have presided over this litigation.
    Robert Raiola, Sportico.com, 27 Sep. 2025
  • Following two successful seasons at Ole Miss, Lane weighed the possibility of taking another head coaching job, but Landry persuaded him to stay.
    Samantha Stutsman, PEOPLE, 27 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • Since then, no one has been able to convince me that Sophia Bush is straight and I’ve finally been vindicated!
    James Factora, Them., 26 Sep. 2025
  • Ochocinco, the former All-Pro wideout, wasn’t convinced.
    Luca Evans, Denver Post, 26 Sep. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Predispose.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/predispose. Accessed 29 Sep. 2025.

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