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
  • Those are, indeed, pat, credible theories and predictions.
    Théoden Janes, Charlotte Observer, 8 Jan. 2026
  • But now, in the planet’s capital city of Apperax, a murder is committed with no suspects, forensics or theories.
    Aaron Couch, HollywoodReporter, 8 Jan. 2026
Noun
  • In Hulu’s Only Murders in the Building, Gomez, 33, plays Mabel, who befriends two of her neighbors — Charles (Steve Martin) and Oliver (Martin Short) — who share her obsession with true crime podcasts.
    Brianne Tracy, PEOPLE, 12 Jan. 2026
  • Skinny Pedro’s obsession might therefore derive from some sort of insanity.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 12 Jan. 2026
Noun
  • Scientists have uncovered a previously unthinkable state of matter that challenges decades of assumptions about how electrons behave, opening novel possibilities for quantum computing, sensing and advanced materials.
    Georgina Jedikovska, Interesting Engineering, 14 Jan. 2026
  • Most importantly, the reader’s assumptions have changed.
    JD Barker, Rolling Stone, 14 Jan. 2026
Noun
  • Complaints about the shelter showed that problems have festered for years, reaching a breaking point after a rise in animal deaths led the agency to lose its no-kill status and city officials to call for an audit.
    Devan Patel, Mercury News, 14 Jan. 2026
  • Address the problem of hard water, a major soap scum culprit, by installing a water softener.
    Mary Cornetta, Better Homes & Gardens, 14 Jan. 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 16 Jan. 2026.

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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