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
  • These are just theories whereas the temperature modification can actually be measured.
    Chris McKeown, The Enquirer, 16 Aug. 2025
  • Cooper Neill/Getty Images What To Know Swift's fans have been buzzing with excitement and theories following the pop superstar's announcement earlier this week, but one theory in particular is gaining ground with her fan base.
    Marni Rose McFall, MSNBC Newsweek, 16 Aug. 2025
Noun
  • My obsession with you kind of pulled me through life.
    Peter Larsen, Oc Register, 22 Aug. 2025
  • The industry’s obsession with skin care has also shifted makeup preferences in a major way, explains makeup artist Jaleesa Jaikaran, with skin prep taking precedence and skin tints and concealers continuing to replace full-coverage foundation for many beauty lovers.
    Sophia Panych, Allure, 22 Aug. 2025
Noun
  • For years, Fort Worth ISD had asked those staffers to focus on helping teachers improve their teaching skills, with the assumption that better instruction — and, therefore, higher test scores — would follow.
    Silas Allen, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 14 Aug. 2025
  • In early discovery, speed helps teams test assumptions and surface flaws quickly.
    Expert Panel®, Forbes.com, 14 Aug. 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.

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

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

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!