Synonyms of proclivity

proclivity

noun

prō-ˈkli-və-tē 

as in tendency

a habitual attraction to some activity or thing

showed artistic proclivities at an early age

Synonyms & Similar Words

• tendency
• inclination
• aptitude
• devices
• affinity
• predilection
• propensity
• predisposition
• affection
• penchant
• knack
• impulse
• disposition
• bias
• preference
• partiality
• bent
• addiction
• talent
• genius
• leaning
• bone
• turn
• appetite
• habitude
• gift
• flair
• prejudice
• liking
• fondness
• taste
• habit
• partisanship
• endowment
• favor
• faculty
• like
• practice
• one-sidedness
• speciality
• specialty
• forte
• idiosyncrasy
• pattern
• eccentricity
• quirk
• fancy
• peculiarity
• custom
• singularity
• routine
• convention
• way
• wont
• trick
• oddity
• kink

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• aversion
• distaste
• dislike
• disinclination
• allergy
• disfavor
• neutrality
• objectivity
• detachment
• indifference
• impartiality
• averseness
• disliking
• disrelish
• apathy
• nonchalance
• unconcern
• disinterestedness
• insouciance

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

Recent Examples of proclivity

Going for it Lanning has become known for his bold play-calling, including a proclivity to go for it on fourth down. —Charles Odum, Chicago Tribune, 8 Jan. 2026

But Cuban’s logic for his proclivity toward email over the phone is very different from younger generations. —Sydney Lake, Fortune, 1 Jan. 2026

Wyss is a Swiss billionaire who some on the Right have likened to Soros, owing to his similar proclivity for bankrolling left-wing causes. —Robert Schmad, The Washington Examiner, 1 Jan. 2026

Corrin’s more relaxed Thursday night attire is a departure from the Miu Miu ambassador’s usual proclivity to runway-ready pieces. —Julia Teti, Footwear News, 19 Dec. 2025

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