prepossession

ˌprē-pə-ˈze-shən

Synonym Chooser

How does the noun prepossession contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of prepossession are bias, predilection, and prejudice. While all these words mean "an attitude of mind that predisposes one to favor something," prepossession suggests a fixed conception likely to preclude objective judgment of anything counter to it.

a prepossession against technology

When can bias be used instead of prepossession?

The meanings of bias and prepossession largely overlap; however, bias implies an unreasoned and unfair distortion of judgment in favor of or against a person or thing.

a strong bias toward the plaintiff

Where would predilection be a reasonable alternative to prepossession?

Although the words predilection and prepossession have much in common, predilection implies a strong liking deriving from one's temperament or experience.

a predilection for travel

In what contexts can prejudice take the place of prepossession?

In some situations, the words prejudice and prepossession are roughly equivalent. However, prejudice usually implies an unfavorable prepossession and connotes a feeling rooted in suspicion, fear, or intolerance.

a mindless prejudice against the unfamiliar

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of Synonyms for prepossession
Noun
  • The connection between the two cases lies in his approach and the use of controversial theories involving rituals and hidden motivations, which drew significant criticism of his conduct as a prosecutor.
    Isadora Wandermurem, Time, 22 Oct. 2025
  • Another theory is that very heavy rainfall after serious drought violently sloshed the waters of Lake Nyos.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 22 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • This separation keeps parents' Discover Weekly and Wrapped playlists clean from unexpected surprises like a sudden obsession with gaming soundtracks or silly meme songs.
    Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 24 Oct. 2025
  • Move over, Aligns — there’s a new soft obsession in town.
    Katie Ann Lehman, StyleCaster, 24 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • Amazon isn't the only tech company that appears to make assumptions about AI's effects on code.
    NPR, NPR, 21 Oct. 2025
  • That assumption collapsed along with Larsen B in the early 2000s, and scientists soon came to a consensus that ice loss was well underway.
    Evan Howell, Quanta Magazine, 20 Oct. 2025
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.

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Cite this Entry

“Prepossession.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/prepossession. Accessed 27 Oct. 2025.

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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