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
  • Such theories were substantiated less than half an hour into his debut against Arsenal.
    Aston Villa, New York Times, 11 Sep. 2026
  • Kirby applied his theory most prominently in June 2021, when United placed the largest aircraft order in its history, even as its passenger numbers remained far below pre-pandemic levels.
    Andrew Edgecliffe-Johnson, semafor.com, 11 Sep. 2026
Noun
  • Centuries before the internet infiltrated almost every aspect of daily life, Swift described how scientific and technological advances could lead to chronic distraction by producing an obsession with what could be rather than what is.
    Dónal Gill, The Dial, 8 Sep. 2026
  • An obsession with discipline—both in the process and finished pieces—has driven her to deliver numerous competition wins for saddlery and wearable arts, and exhibition honors at London's Victoria and Albert Museum.
    Clare Coulson, Condé Nast Traveler, 8 Sep. 2026
Noun
  • There’s an assumption that the second half is Shakespeare’s, but scholars continue to quarrel over attribution.
    Theater Critic, Los Angeles Times, 5 Sep. 2026
  • While Gaetz and Pizzo have fought for the family’s reunification, some of Zuraff’s family members have spoken out and said lawmakers are making assumptions about the case without knowing the full circumstances.
    Romy Ellenbogen Herald, Miami Herald, 4 Sep. 2026
Noun
  • The group claims that HIV treatment has improved in the decades since the military initially categorized HIV as a health problem that disqualifies someone from enlistment.
    Jack Birle, The Washington Examiner, 15 Sep. 2026
  • Creating a digital asset is one problem; keeping it safe is another.
    Sergey Stopnevich, Forbes.com, 15 Sep. 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.

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Prepossession.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/prepossession. Accessed 16 Sep. 2026.

Love words? Need even more definitions?

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

More from Merriam-Webster