Synonym Chooser

How does the noun propensity contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of propensity are leaning, penchant, and proclivity. While all these words mean "a strong instinct or liking for something," propensity implies a deeply ingrained and usually irresistible inclination.

a propensity to offer advice

When is it sensible to use leaning instead of propensity?

The meanings of leaning and propensity largely overlap; however, leaning suggests a liking or attraction not strong enough to be decisive or uncontrollable.

a student with artistic leanings

When can penchant be used instead of propensity?

The words penchant and propensity are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, penchant implies a strongly marked taste in the person or an irresistible attraction in the object.

a penchant for taking risks

When could proclivity be used to replace propensity?

The synonyms proclivity and propensity are sometimes interchangeable, but proclivity suggests a strong natural proneness usually to something objectionable or evil.

a proclivity for violence

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 propensity This propensity for mental acrobatics, alongside his immense arrogance, was how Epstein rationalized his crimes to himself. Helen Lewis, The Atlantic, 25 Oct. 2025 Chargers defensive coordinator Jesse Minter is among those coaches expected to get real consideration in next year's head-coaching cycle, and his propensity for confusing young QBs is well known across the NFL. Max Dible, MSNBC Newsweek, 21 Oct. 2025 Skye herself has almost no distinguishing characteristics besides her fragile state and propensity for terrible decisions, especially as the investigation around her boyfriend’s death kicks into gear. Alison Herman, Variety, 17 Oct. 2025 Now, researchers have identified specific regions of the human genome connected to cannabis use, which means the propensity to get addicted to weed may be encoded in DNA. Abhimanyu Ghoshal, New Atlas, 14 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for propensity
Recent Examples of Synonyms for propensity
Noun
  • Now the Dark Knight has always had some distinctly authoritarian tendencies baked into his tactics and mythology, as a Christopher Nolan movie or three made pretty clear.
    Dominic Patten, Deadline, 9 Nov. 2025
  • Unfortunately, the songs have a tendency to drift towards a very similar sound, which stands out in the context of a project where everything else is so imaginative.
    Kambole Campbell, IndieWire, 7 Nov. 2025
Noun
  • The inclination to avoid that threshold already impacted Denver’s decision not to sign a rookie contract extension with Peyton Watson last month.
    Bennett Durando, Denver Post, 7 Nov. 2025
  • Lin—whose early career at Zappos and mathematical inclinations molded him into an early backer of companies like Airbnb and DoorDash—has been at Sequoia since 2010.
    Allie Garfinkle, Fortune, 4 Nov. 2025
Noun
  • Both Max’s debut LP, Heaven & Hell, and her sophomore album, Diamonds and Dancefloors, were pushed back for release because of leaks, and Max has addressed her music’s proneness to making its way online before release in the past.
    Tomás Mier, Rolling Stone, 19 Aug. 2025
Noun
  • This aptitude for song and dance, combined with some friend-of-a-friend magic, was enough to get Taylor an audience with two people who would change her life.
    Mikey O'Connell, HollywoodReporter, 5 Nov. 2025
  • Mount’s defensive aptitude proved important in keeping United compact throughout, regularly dropping into vacant spaces to slow down any nascent attacks.
    Carl Anka, New York Times, 19 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • Since launching in 2012, Candy Crush Saga has remained one of the most popular games on mobile devices, accruing millions of daily players.
    Christopher Cruz, Rolling Stone, 6 Nov. 2025
  • On the hardware side over 10+ million devices have been built around a recovery phrase by default, entrenching a market expectation in which seed phrases are the go-to recovery method, even as some vendors add alternatives.
    Wyles Daniel, USA Today, 6 Nov. 2025
Noun
  • This cultural affinity for scent attracted more than 100 niche perfume houses, double the size of 2024’s fair.
    Ritu Upadhyay, Footwear News, 7 Nov. 2025
  • Talley, who by his own efforts pushed himself from his roots in Durham, North Carolina, to New York City and Paris, had a magnetic passion for clothing and an affinity for designers.
    Essence, Essence, 4 Nov. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Propensity.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/propensity. Accessed 13 Nov. 2025.

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