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 There are several other ongoing furors about the president’s propensity to use his power in unusually personal ways. Niall Stanage, The Hill, 5 Oct. 2025 Perhaps more worrying for Browns fans has been Flacco's propensity to turn the ball over, throwing six interceptions thus far, the second most of any quarterback in football through the first four weeks. MSNBC Newsweek, 30 Sep. 2025 In a separate experiment, the team tested what kind of guardrails, if any, would rein in the AI’s propensity to comply with instructions to cheat. Rachel Nuwer, Scientific American, 28 Sep. 2025 Polling on the measure, on track to qualify for the November 2026 ballot, reveals substantial support, particularly among homeowners who are high-propensity voters. Jon Coupal, Oc Register, 27 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for propensity
Recent Examples of Synonyms for propensity
Noun
  • King said he was inspired in part by Rader’s arrest, more specifically, by his ability to keep his murderous tendencies completely unknown to the rest of his family.
    CT Jones, Rolling Stone, 11 Oct. 2025
  • The Patriots defensive staff sifts through all kinds of data while scripting a game plan, from traditional player scouting reports, scheme tendencies, statistical analyses and film findings of their own.
    Andrew Callahan, Boston Herald, 11 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • 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
  • As Tuchel attested, England’s inclination to regain possession was as impressive as their work on the ball.
    Mark Carey, New York Times, 10 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
  • Cootes also has demonstrated some solid aptitude in the faceoff circle.
    Thomas Drance, New York Times, 29 Sep. 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
  • With natural, biodegradable, and inexpensive components, such batteries could one day provide an eco-friendly alternative for powering homes or small devices without relying on toxic metals or complex supply chains.
    Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 16 Oct. 2025
  • Officials suspect that three explosive devices were dropped in the parking lot.
    Alexandra Mendoza, San Diego Union-Tribune, 16 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • Sometimes explaining one’s affinity for a specific Pokémon is difficult; since Satoshi Tajiri has been dreaming up these pet-warrior-oddballs, many have historically had a certain je ne sais quoi.
    Jack Smart, PEOPLE, 10 Oct. 2025
  • Kravitz has felt an affinity for both music and design since childhood.
    Jazmine Hughes, Robb Report, 9 Oct. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Propensity.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/propensity. Accessed 20 Oct. 2025.

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