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

As for the genie’s proclivity for rapping, Glaser remembers that stemming from O’Neal’s own pursuit of a hip-hop career in the 1990s. — Ryan Gajewski, HollywoodReporter, 12 June 2026

The imagery fits well with Mehta’s proclivity to show violence, frequently linked to his witnessing a murder during the Partition riots of 1947–48. — JSTOR Daily, 4 June 2026

Mendes’ archival Donna Karan dress follows suit with her recent proclivity for vintage pieces. — Julia Teti, Footwear News, 2 June 2026

The Mexican government had already witnessed the Jalisco cartel’s proclivity for brazen killing. — Steve Fisher, Los Angeles Times, 17 May 2026

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