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 The choice to use lyrics as evidence, particularly in a RICO case, is rich with controversy, following Young Thug's trial in Georgia in which the rapper's verses were used to demonstrate a propensity for violent behavior. Anna Kaufman, USA Today, 16 May 2025 But as the contest for catchy three-minute tunes has grown, so has its propensity for outlandish costumes, staging, and choreography. Nick Allen, Vulture, 13 May 2025 The Giants roster may have undergone a drastic transformation this week, but this team’s propensity to play barn-burners hasn’t changed. Justice Delos Santos, Mercury News, 7 June 2025 These songs fall back on Rae-era propensities, flexing the internet personality’s instinct for a cresting trend but failing to do better than the real Lana songs and knockoffs flooding the market. Craig Jenkins, Vulture, 6 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for propensity
Recent Examples of Synonyms for propensity
Noun
  • Having been sober for many decades herself, Bev recognizes the narcissism of addiction, the way addicts have a tendency to put themselves at the center of the universe.
    Charles McNulty, Los Angeles Times, 28 June 2025
  • But beneath the surface, there’s often a fragile sense of self, defended by a deep need for control, an inability to tolerate shame, and a tendency to distort reality in ways that protect their internal world at the expense of those around them.
    Ascend Agency, New York Daily News, 27 June 2025
Noun
  • And, swear to God, my inclination to be a doctor was that.
    Kimberly Dishongh, Arkansas Online, 22 June 2025
  • And Just Like That is out of a inclination to see Carrie continue to live her messy and fabulous life as a pretty egregiously out-of-touch Manhattan socialite.
    Megan McCluskey, Time, 20 June 2025
Noun
  • The ‘lucky’ question Jeff Bezos always asked interviewees at Amazon Attitude has long been as important as aptitude at Amazon.
    Sasha Rogelberg, Fortune, 18 June 2025
  • Girard’s size, and the idea that Colorado is a small-ish team that needs more grit and defensive aptitude in the playoffs, also lead people back to him as a trade candidate.
    Corey Masisak, Denver Post, 1 June 2025
Noun
  • However, instead of removing the minerals from the water, these devices make the minerals soluble in the water.
    Timothy Dale, Better Homes & Gardens, 14 Mar. 2025
  • However, these incidents underscore the importance of regularly updating your devices to stay protected against evolving threats.
    Kurt Knutsson, CyberGuy Report, Fox News, 14 Mar. 2025
Noun
  • After all, a multipolar world would have many more cleavages and affinities that India could use to its advantage.
    ASHLEY J. TELLIS, Foreign Affairs, 17 June 2025
  • One of the showpiece occasions of the British sporting summer shines a light on the football club’s affinity with horse racing.
    Andy Naylor, New York Times, 17 June 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Propensity.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/propensity. Accessed 3 Jul. 2025.

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