PROCLIVITY Synonyms: 77 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

proclivity

noun

prō-ˈkli-və-tē

Definition of proclivity next

as in tendency

a habitual attraction to some activity or thing showed artistic proclivities at an early age

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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 Mon Rovîa’s music falls somewhere between the former’s state-of-the-world polemics and the latter’s more introspective style; in particular, Lowe shares McRae’s proclivity for mellow 2000s adult-alternative songwriting. —

Hannah Jocelyn, Pitchfork, 14 Jan. 2026 Take the Panthers’ proclivity for close games. —

Alex Zietlow, Charlotte Observer, 9 Jan. 2026 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 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 See All Example Sentences for proclivity

Recent Examples of Synonyms for proclivity

Noun

Corruption scandals have brought down several people in Zelensky’s inner circle, including his former business partner Timur Mindich and his long-time right-hand man Andriy Yermak, leading some observers to question whether Zelensky had a tendency to over-rely on tainted allies.

— Ivana Kottasová, CNN Money, 20 Feb. 2026
Releasing that control can soften the tendency to internalize life’s unpredictability as a personal failure, Jacobsen says—and also weaken the power that anxiety in your 30s holds over you.

— Jenna Ryu, SELF, 20 Feb. 2026