as in influences
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
Relevance
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 predisposes
For 45 minutes, the training focused on the trauma that predisposes people to substance use in pregnancy and the increasing prevalance of substance use in pregnancy during the opioid epidemic in Colorado.
—
Karli Swenson,
The Conversation,
11 June 2026
That said, if a patient has a preexisting diagnosis of dry mouth or a condition that predisposes them to dry mouth, like Sjögren's syndrome, doctors might advise against gland reduction.
—
Jolene Edgar,
Allure,
14 May 2026
Ricks has a brain that predisposes him to violent behavior, according to a neuroscience researcher called by the defense as a witness.
—
Emerson Clarridge,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
22 Oct. 2025
The substance also damages airways and predisposes individuals to develop many chronic lung diseases including asthma and chronic obstructive lung disease.
—
Omer Awan,
Forbes.com,
1 Sep. 2025
Karli Swenson,
The Conversation,
11 June 2026
That said, if a patient has a preexisting diagnosis of dry mouth or a condition that predisposes them to dry mouth, like Sjögren's syndrome, doctors might advise against gland reduction.
—
Jolene Edgar,
Allure,
14 May 2026
Ricks has a brain that predisposes him to violent behavior, according to a neuroscience researcher called by the defense as a witness.
—
Emerson Clarridge,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
22 Oct. 2025
The substance also damages airways and predisposes individuals to develop many chronic lung diseases including asthma and chronic obstructive lung disease.
—
Omer Awan,
Forbes.com,
1 Sep. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for predisposes
Verb
-
Amber Duncan, founder of Life After Debt, says that pressure often influences spending decisions.
-
Studies show that your gut health influences much more than just good digestion, including skin, immunity, energy, and mood.
Verb
-
After an extremely awkward mother-son kiss, Alicent convinces Aemond to fly to Harrenhal and hunt down Daemon.
-
After Stagg convinces the leaders to postpone D-day, he is vindicated by a deluge of rain that arrives while everyone is attending church at Southwark House on June 5.
Verb
-
Your warmth persuades when details sparkle today.
-
When he is held captive by the nymph Calypso, Athena persuades Zeus to secure Odysseus’s release.
Verb
-
The assessor proposes; the Board disposes.
-
Disney, which didn’t respond to a request for comment, disposes of the data gained from its facial recognition technology within 30 days unless its necessary for legal or fraud prevention purposes, according to its privacy policy.
Verb
-
These monsters—its antitheses—constitute that part of our nature that urges us to be sensible and strong, and that inclines us to see the life drive as trivial, weak, sentimental and immoral.
-
The moon’s clash with Venus inclines you to projections.
Cite this Entry
“Predisposes.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/predisposes. Accessed 2 Jul. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
