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 Tolbert is expected to have a key role given the Royals’ propensity to keep a high-level pinch runner on the roster. Kansas City Star, 25 Sep. 2025 In games and in practice during his third Wild training camp, that propensity of going hard toward the puck may earn Haight a NHL roster spot next month. Jess Myers, Twin Cities, 24 Sep. 2025 The flames surged around the buildings, igniting Italian cypresses, the tapered trees that insurance agents call Roman candles, for their propensity to burn. Dana Goodyear, New Yorker, 22 Sep. 2025 Plus, a propensity for porpoising down straightaways and under mild braking hinted at perhaps further refinement needed—not ideal for a car with such a unique suspension setup as its calling card, but that somehow weighs around 1,500 pounds more than the racecar that shares so many components. Michael Teo Van Runkle, Forbes.com, 17 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for propensity
Recent Examples of Synonyms for propensity
Noun
  • One of the issues Bayandir had had this season is his tendency to not parry the ball to the sides.
    Conor O'Neill, New York Times, 29 Sep. 2025
  • However, leaders can have a tendency to try to optimize inefficient processes with shiny new tech instead of questioning their existence.
    Mike Hoffman, Fortune, 28 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • LaCombe, who played forward in his youth, has shown great improvement in his own end but still has the offensive inclinations to be a point producer.
    Eric Stephens, New York Times, 2 Oct. 2025
  • Redford also shared that despite his inclination to public service, his ambitions were not political.
    Angela Andaloro, PEOPLE, 26 Sep. 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
  • As such, more will be required than a World Cup ticket, particularly because physical tickets are vulnerable to counterfeiting, while electronic devices, which may ordinarily be a way to show authentic tickets, are usually forbidden in consular buildings where interviews take place.
    Adam Crafton, New York Times, 2 Oct. 2025
  • Nielsen’s streaming ratings cover viewing on TV sets only and don’t include minutes watched on computers or mobile devices.
    Rick Porter, HollywoodReporter, 2 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • Their immediate affinity, set at the very height of the Cold War, represents a common European culture based on reading and the arts that defied borders and ideologies.
    AudioFile Magazine September 30, Literary Hub, 30 Sep. 2025
  • Most tequila recipes are bright and refreshing, leaning on the spirit’s inherent affinity for sunshine.
    Jeremy Repanich, Robb Report, 27 Sep. 2025

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Cite this Entry

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

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