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
• affection
• predisposition
• 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
• speciality
• one-sidedness
• specialty
• forte
• idiosyncrasy
• pattern
• practise
• 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

And it should be considered unacceptable for politicians to blindside a company for punishment because of its CEO’s political proclivities. —New York Daily News Editorial Board, New York Daily News, 6 Apr. 2025

Tesla, to be kind, is having a rough go of it, thanks to its chief executive’s far-right proclivities. —Anita Chabria, Los Angeles Times, 20 Mar. 2025

The Virginia Economic Development Partnership faces two issues at Dulles: The airport’s cargo handling capabilities must grow, and the proclivity of Virgina companies to ship cargo at Dulles must grow with it. —Ted Reed, Forbes.com, 31 Mar. 2025

Hindsight is unfailingly comforting in clarifying such market proclivities. —Michael Santoli, CNBC, 22 Mar. 2025

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