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 Based on marginal propensities to consume for the population likely to receive the checks, Smetters estimated that about $400 billion would be spent within the first two quarters after the payments go out. — Nick Lichtenberg, Fortune, 10 Sep. 2026 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
  • The questionnaires typically ask about overall personality tendencies, and so cover a very long time period.
    — ArsTechnica, ArsTechnica, 2 Nov. 2026
  • From Fulton Market to Lincoln Park to Woodlawn, these six new projects — now in progress or under construction — show some new tendencies in the Chicago tall building.
    — Edward Keegan, Chicago Tribune, 1 Nov. 2026
Definition of tendencies
Noun
  • Meanwhile, the electorate’s broad inclinations were plainly if not precisely depicted.
    — W Joseph Campbell, The Conversation, 4 Nov. 2026
  • In 1860, Muybridge was thrown from a carriage, resulting in a head injury that radically changed his personality and possibly heightened his artistic inclinations.
    — Kathryn Schulz, New Yorker, 26 Oct. 2026
Definition of inclinations
Noun
  • This enables quantum systems to tackle certain problems in ways that may be difficult for classical computers.
    — Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 7 Nov. 2026
  • Dailyacc Bandana Scarf Bold, patterned scarves are having a major moment this season—they’re one of the easiest ways to add a pop of color, pattern, and personality to an outfit without a lot of effort or investment.
    — Kate Donovan, Southern Living, 7 Nov. 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
  • Beyond Carrington and Vicuña’s stylistic affinities, Lehmann and Norris pointed out how the reception of the artists’ work has changed over the decades and that both have only been canonized relatively recently.
    — Maximilíano Durón, ARTnews.com, 12 Oct. 2026
  • With its affinities for isolation and, at times, imposing scale, Land art conjures archaeology and the geological sublime—vast expanses of space and time.
    — Jeffrey Weiss, Artforum, 1 Oct. 2026
Definition of affinities

Browse Nearby Words

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 12 Nov. 2026.

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