propensities

noun

plural of propensity
1
as in tendencies
an established pattern of behavior the criminal propensities of the family extended over several generations

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in inclinations
a habitual attraction to some activity or thing a neighbor who has an unfortunate propensity for snooping

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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 propensities Here was a way to fix inside digital resin some of her habits and propensities, through the words of three of her daughters. — Eythana Miller, The Dial, 23 June 2026 When creating their own version of the character, the developers at IOI sought to emphasize that insubordination as a gameplay tool, grounding it in this Bond’s age-specific propensities. — Christopher Cruz, Rolling Stone, 28 May 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for propensities
  1. tendencies
  2. inclinations
  3. ways
  4. aptitudes
  5. affinities
Noun
  • Pica and compulsive tendencies There’s an important distinction between chewing and pica in cats.
    — Ryan Brennan, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 15 July 2026
  • Except her version of fun involves vengeance, sly righteousness and the exposure of humanity’s darker tendencies.
    — Culture Critic, Los Angeles Times, 15 July 2026
Definition of tendencies
Noun
  • The solution Ciufolini proposed decades ago while working with physicist John Archibald Wheeler was to use two satellites in supplementary orbits, meaning with orbital inclinations that sum to 180 degrees.
    — Jacek Krywko, ArsTechnica, 10 July 2026
  • Getty Choosing a college major has always been a big life decision, influenced by not only personal inclinations and talents, but also by starting salaries.
    — Courtney Connley-Hampton, Forbes.com, 30 June 2026
Definition of inclinations
Noun
  • Then Nicolas Tagliafico, a poor defender up against a great attacker in Lamine Yamal, took to attempting to foul the winger in four different ways at once, but most unpleasantly grazed his studs down Yamal’s calf.
    — Adam Crafton, New York Times, 20 July 2026
  • Japanese festivals often serve as ways for deities to be brought into the streets for sacred or ritual purposes while also bringing communities together in celebration.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 19 July 2026
Definition of ways
Noun
  • For this class, the premise is that your purpose in life lies to the intersection of your values, your aptitudes and your interests.
    — Dana Taylor, USA Today, 6 May 2026
  • This model reflects Japan’s long-standing corporate culture, which prioritizes new hires for their general potential—their aptitudes and aspirations, as opposed to their current skill sets or university majors—and then trains them on the job.
    — GRACIA LIU-FARRER, Foreign Affairs, 18 Nov. 2025
Definition of aptitudes
Noun
  • In her memoir, Andrews mentions that her children briefly attended UCLA Lab School and that Joanna had affinities for horseback riding and reading.
    — Bailey Bujnosek, InStyle, 23 June 2026
  • Spanish society has always had a relatively high tolerance for Latin American immigrants, who speak the local language and share certain cultural affinities.
    — Rogé Karma, The Atlantic, 1 June 2026
Definition of affinities

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propels
propensities
propensity
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Cite this Entry

“Propensities.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/propensities. Accessed 22 Jul. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on propensities

Nglish: Translation of propensities for Spanish Speakers

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