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 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 This ratio, known as the marginal propensity to spend, was more than two times the level typically found for gains in the stock market or home values. Robert Frank, CNBC, 10 Oct. 2025 Aaron Glenn, Payton’s one-time assistant coach in New Orleans, is off to the worst start for a first-year coach through five games in franchise history, a considerable mark given the Jets’ propensity for shuffling through coaches. Nick Kosmider, New York Times, 9 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for propensity
Recent Examples of Synonyms for propensity
Noun
  • The collaboration between certain MAGA influencers and animal-rights activists has drawn out the most confrontational tendencies within each camp.
    Ava Kofman, New Yorker, 3 Nov. 2025
  • One way to estimate your tendency is with a Morningness-Eveningness questionnaire.
    Allison Aubrey, NPR, 3 Nov. 2025
Noun
  • The cosmos is asking us to define our aspirations and inclinations.
    Lisa Stardust, Refinery29, 20 Oct. 2025
  • On command, the Arc would detach from the service module and reenter the atmosphere at Mach 20+ with a high sustained g-load to arrive at any location within its orbital inclination zone.
    David Szondy October 13, New Atlas, 13 Oct. 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
  • 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
  • Her aptitude was unavoidable at the Fendi show, where top models holding desirable handbags, styled with joyful knits, eye-catching dresses and sporty separates, strutted past guests, including actors Hilary Duff, Naomi Watts and Bang Chan of the South Korean boy band Stray Kids.
    Kati Chitrakorn, CNN Money, 29 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • The National Fire Protection Association recommends that devices not be charged under a pillow, or on a bed or couch.
    Charna Flam, PEOPLE, 31 Oct. 2025
  • The team hopes the new battery could power next-generation aircraft, drones, and portable devices.
    Georgina Jedikovska, Interesting Engineering, 30 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • 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
  • The musician has been gaining notoriety this past year, thanks to both the success of the LP and his affinity for speaking his mind about other musicians.
    Hannah Dailey, Billboard, 3 Nov. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Propensity.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/propensity. Accessed 6 Nov. 2025.

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