Synonym Chooser

How does the noun proclivity contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of proclivity are leaning, penchant, and propensity. While all these words mean "a strong instinct or liking for something," proclivity suggests a strong natural proneness usually to something objectionable or evil.

a proclivity for violence

When is it sensible to use leaning instead of proclivity?

While in some cases nearly identical to proclivity, leaning suggests a liking or attraction not strong enough to be decisive or uncontrollable.

a student with artistic leanings

Where would penchant be a reasonable alternative to proclivity?

The words penchant and proclivity can be used in similar contexts, but penchant implies a strongly marked taste in the person or an irresistible attraction in the object.

a penchant for taking risks

In what contexts can propensity take the place of proclivity?

The words propensity and proclivity are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, propensity implies a deeply ingrained and usually irresistible inclination.

a propensity to offer advice

Example Sentences

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.
Recent Examples of proclivity Trump has shown a proclivity for enacting tariffs — and then suddenly reversing course. Kate Linthicum, Los Angeles Times, 3 Apr. 2025 The continuing embracing of players either coming off major injuries - or with a history of maladies - remains among the most perplexing proclivities of this regime. Barry Jackson, Miami Herald, 13 Mar. 2025 At one time, my own front yard had turned into a veritable pride-of-Madeira forest thanks to the self-sowing proclivity of this plant. Joshua Siskin, Orange County Register, 15 Feb. 2025 The president has surrounded himself with media figures less likely to ask him difficult questions and more likely to criticize Volodymyr Zelensky's sartorial proclivities. Josh Hammer, MSNBC Newsweek, 22 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for proclivity
Recent Examples of Synonyms for proclivity
Noun
  • Plus, no matter who's involved, humans have a natural tendency to pay close attention to danger and threats, especially if those threats have lurked without detection for so long.
    Charles Trepany, USA Today, 10 May 2025
  • Recent climate modeling results suggest that changes in annual precipitation in Florida will likely be modest, within about 10% of current average, with a tendency for wetter conditions in the northern part of the state and lesser precipitation in the south.
    Bob Maliva, The Orlando Sentinel, 10 May 2025
Noun
  • Analysts also see an inclination among some officials to keep certain communications private, not just from spies but also from government recordkeeping.
    Anna Mulrine Grobe, Christian Science Monitor, 8 May 2025
  • Conveniently dovetailing into some of the notions offered this weekend to Trump at Mar-a-Lago by Oscar-winner Voight and his team, Newsom’s pitch of a national tax incentive for big screen and small screen production is clearly aimed to appeal to Trump’s bigger-is-better inclinations.
    Dominic Patten, Deadline, 5 May 2025
Noun
  • Judging by the untended blisters on his knuckles and palms, however, Enzo doesn’t show much aptitude for it — to the extent that his supervisor drives the boy home one day to speak with his parents, surprised to discover that Enzo lives in a posh home with ocean views and a private pool.
    Peter Debruge, Variety, 14 May 2025
  • Hiring focuses on ability and aptitude, in companies that are focused on growth.
    Chris Westfall, Forbes.com, 12 May 2025
Noun
  • However, instead of removing the minerals from the water, these devices make the minerals soluble in the water.
    Timothy Dale, Better Homes & Gardens, 14 Mar. 2025
  • However, these incidents underscore the importance of regularly updating your devices to stay protected against evolving threats.
    Kurt Knutsson, CyberGuy Report, Fox News, 14 Mar. 2025
Noun
  • Visitors with an affinity for history and local culture will find endless entertainment in downtown Beaufort, not to be confused with the South Carolina destination of the same name.
    Lydia Mansel, Travel + Leisure, 12 May 2025
  • At 26, Mac Allister is coming into his prime years and his affinity for the club is clear.
    James Pearce, New York Times, 10 May 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Proclivity.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/proclivity. Accessed 22 May. 2025.

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