Definition of proclivitynext

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 How genuinely erotic the movie is depends on one’s personal proclivities, but there’s no denying that sibling filmmakers Artie and Jim Mitchell had a vision — and that the opportunity to experience that vision in 35mm on the big screen is worth taking the New Bev up on. Jim Hemphill, IndieWire, 26 Feb. 2026 Kennedy’s proclivity for working out in belted denim long predates the knowing wink with which it’s now displayed. Daniel Engber, The Atlantic, 20 Feb. 2026 Running gags include Moses’ age, certain players’ penchant for forgetfulness and star receiver Stefon Diggs’ proclivity for procreation. Michael Silver, New York Times, 5 Feb. 2026 Leon Thomas' Mutt is the wild card here, but his classic R&B stylings — again, keep in mind the Academy's proclivity for retro — might be enough to rock the boat. Jason Lamphier, Entertainment Weekly, 30 Jan. 2026 See All Example Sentences for proclivity
Recent Examples of Synonyms for proclivity
Noun
  • Kormákur is an Icelandic filmmaker whose breakout was the 2006 crime drama Jar City and who has a tendency to bounce around both genres and continents.
    Alison Willmore, Vulture, 24 Apr. 2026
  • In 2024, Julie Aitken Schermer, a psychology professor at the University of Western Ontario in Canada, published a paper that showed drivers who modified their exhaust systems to be louder were more likely to have psychopathic and sadist tendencies.
    Harrison Mantas, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 24 Apr. 2026
Noun
  • And yes, Rick and Emily, huge allies, love working with them, no inclination of wanting to turn on them.
    Terry Terrones, HollywoodReporter, 23 Apr. 2026
  • Lawlor’s book contains chapters devoted to politics, but her inclination to reach for examples of the reasonable and unreasonable that any reader will intuitively share serves her less well here.
    Nikhil Krishnan, New Yorker, 20 Apr. 2026
Noun
  • Few Democrats in the party's 2028 presidential sights have an opportunity to demonstrate political strength and party-building aptitude in swing states.
    CBS News, CBS News, 25 Apr. 2026
  • So does discipline, defensive aptitude and goaltending.
    Josh Yohe, New York Times, 24 Apr. 2026
Noun
  • At the start of the year, China removed a three-decade-old tax exemption on contraceptive drugs and devices.
    Sean Nevin, NBC news, 24 Apr. 2026
  • The suit alleged City Creek failed to reposition her every two hours in bed or her wheelchair, which is the clinical standard for people at risk of bedsores, and to promptly order devices to protect her skin.
    Jordan Rau, Miami Herald, 23 Apr. 2026
Noun
  • His early work with the Heartbreakers had an affinity with the more cutting-edge sounds of punk and new wave; the term pop punk probably comes from the New York Times critic John Rockwell’s write-up of a Petty performance at the Bottom Line in 1977.
    Jack Hamilton, The Atlantic, 28 Apr. 2026
  • When Tezzus met diamond* in 2020, their affinity for music (and weed) kept them close, moving together as a unit.
    Oba Awolowo, Pitchfork, 27 Apr. 2026

Browse Nearby Words

Podcast

Cite this Entry

“Proclivity.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/proclivity. Accessed 1 May. 2026.

More from Merriam-Webster on proclivity

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