prepossession

ˌprē-pə-ˈze-shən
Definition of prepossessionnext

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
  • What began as a weeklong music camp eventually turned into year-round educational programming, where students learn songwriting, music theory, recording and live performance before showcasing their work on the festival stage.
    Kansas City Star, Kansas City Star, 31 July 2026
  • The branzino – buttery, substantial and just the right amount of briny – is the most tangible, tasty expression of the theory.
    Connie Ogle July 31, Miami Herald, 31 July 2026
Noun
  • There’s just a lot more awareness of the culture, and a piece of that culture is an obsession with beauty.
    Kathryn Hopkins, Footwear News, 4 Aug. 2026
  • In the cold light of day, though, Helaena has grown wary of her family’s dragon obsession.
    Amanda Whiting, Vulture, 3 Aug. 2026
Noun
  • These failures stemmed not from new vulnerabilities, but from basic security flaws like weak passwords and unauthenticated endpoints, and reliance on assumptions over robust controls.
    Sandy Carter, Forbes.com, 2 Aug. 2026
  • Your assumption that your pension isn’t safe may not be true, and a good attorney may be able to help protect it.
    Jeanne Phillips, Mercury News, 1 Aug. 2026
Noun
  • The problem, according to Hinton, is that humans will no longer be able to rely on outsmarting super-intelligent AI models.
    Matt Egan, CNN Money, 6 Aug. 2026
  • Michael admits his behavioral problems were a big challenge, but Paul and Betsy taught him personal responsibility.
    Sharon Chin, CBS News, 6 Aug. 2026
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 7 Aug. 2026.

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