TENDENCIES Synonyms: 93 Similar and Opposite Words

tendencies

noun

plural of tendency

as in ways

an established pattern of behavior a tendency to drop things a tendency to make snap judgments

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in trends

a prevailing or general movement or inclination we'll be seeing a tendency for skirt lengths to get shorter this coming season

Synonyms & Similar Words

as in inclinations

a habitual attraction to some activity or thing a youth with a natural tendency toward arts and crafts instead of sports

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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 tendencies Many of Vernon’s songs, rooted in personal sadness, indeed appeal to listeners with those tendencies. — Steven Zeitchik, HollywoodReporter, 28 July 2026 Some of the hallmark characteristics of autism are the tendencies to avoid looking at other’s faces and making less eye contact. — Isabella Backman, Hartford Courant, 25 July 2026 But Magdalen’s temporary embodiment of her sister’s demure, obedient nature does not temper her impulsive, dramatic tendencies—only the development of an empathetic, analytical intelligence can do that. — Literary Hub, 24 July 2026 Before the focus shifts back to club football, allow The Athletic to walk through some of the data quirks and tactical tendencies from this year’s World Cup. — Mark Carey, New York Times, 21 July 2026 The design incorporates materials common to the region, such as brick, while honoring the mid-mod tendencies towards clean lines, picture views, and natural light. — Katherine McLaughlin, Architectural Digest, 20 July 2026 International and professional soccer is rife with corruption and avarice and increasingly embraces the worst tendencies of late-stage capitalism. — Gustavo Arellano, Los Angeles Times, 20 July 2026 Pica and compulsive tendencies There’s an important distinction between chewing and pica in cats. — Ryan Brennan, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 15 July 2026 Most importantly, brokers can protect buyers from themselves and their own tendencies, which are often driven by emotional intent. — Michael Gargiulo, Forbes.com, 10 July 2026

Recent Examples of Synonyms for tendencies

Noun

But Tessarion’s always there and there’s a love and a deep appreciation that goes both ways with them.

— Jennifer Maas, Variety, 27 July 2026
From there comes tempo and different ways to throw a defense off.

— Shaun Goodwin, Idaho Statesman, 26 July 2026

Definition of ways

Noun

People with gene variants that affect these inclinations may also be at a higher risk of developing obesity and type 2 diabetes, researchers found.

— Emily Kay Votruba, EverydayHealth.com, 28 July 2026
Half the tracks skate along atop grooves informed by house and UK garage, reflecting Hebden’s clubbiest inclinations as well as his idiosyncratic sound design.

— Philip Sherburne, Pitchfork, 18 July 2026

Definition of inclinations

Noun

Here was a way to fix inside digital resin some of her habits and propensities, through the words of three of her daughters.

— Eythana Miller, The Dial, 23 June 2026
When creating their own version of the character, the developers at IOI sought to emphasize that insubordination as a gameplay tool, grounding it in this Bond’s age-specific propensities.

— Christopher Cruz, Rolling Stone, 28 May 2026

Definition of propensities

Noun

For this class, the premise is that your purpose in life lies to the intersection of your values, your aptitudes and your interests.

— Dana Taylor, USA Today, 6 May 2026
This model reflects Japan’s long-standing corporate culture, which prioritizes new hires for their general potential—their aptitudes and aspirations, as opposed to their current skill sets or university majors—and then trains them on the job.

— GRACIA LIU-FARRER, Foreign Affairs, 18 Nov. 2025

Definition of aptitudes

Noun

The brightest satellites, meanwhile, scatter their light in all directions.

— Chris Young July 28, Refractor, 28 July 2026
The challenge for all independent grocers is getting that fresh-is-best message to break through to consumers who are pulled in countless directions by competing voices that most often have far bigger advertising and marketing budgets.

— Denise Crosby, Chicago Tribune, 26 July 2026

Definition of directions

Noun

Knowing their days of bloodline privilege are numbered, the German and the French aristocrat bond, their class affinities binding them more tightly than the uniforms that separate them.

— Thomas Doherty, HollywoodReporter, 18 July 2026
In her memoir, Andrews mentions that her children briefly attended UCLA Lab School and that Joanna had affinities for horseback riding and reading.

— Bailey Bujnosek, InStyle, 23 June 2026

Definition of affinities

Browse Nearby Words

tended (to)

tendencies

tendency

See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

Style

“Tendencies.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/tendencies. Accessed 1 Aug. 2026.

Copy Citation

Synonyms of tendencies

noun

Example Sentences

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

More from Merriam-Webster on tendencies

More from Merriam-Webster

Word of the Day

spindrift

Popular in Grammar & Usage

7 Pairs of Commonly Confused Words

Merriam-Webster’s Great Big List of Words You Love to Hate

Is it 'nerve-racking' or 'nerve-wracking'?

Why does English have so many silent letters?

Your vs. You're: How to Use Them Correctly

Popular in Wordplay

Dutch Treat and French Leave: Eight Place-Based Compounds

14 Phobias You Probably Haven't Heard Of

The Longest Long Words List

The Words of the Week - Jul. 31

Even More Bird Names that Sound Like Insults (and Sometimes Are)

Popular

7 Pairs of Commonly Confused Words

Dutch Treat and French Leave: Eight Place-Based Compounds

14 Phobias You Probably Haven't Heard Of

Games & Quizzes