Synonyms of incline

incline 1 of 2

noun

as in slope

the degree to which something rises up from a position level with the horizon

the steep incline of the hill meant that it was impossible to ride a bicycle up it

Synonyms & Similar Words

• slope
• inclination
• gradient
• lean
• pitch
• ascent
• diagonal
• climb
• rake
• slant
• grade
• cant
• upgrade
• bank
• rise

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• decline
• fall
• declivity
• dip
• descent
• declination
• declension
• hanging
• downgrade
• receding
• hang

incline

2 of 2

verb

1

as in to slope

to set or cause to be at an angle

carefully inclined the ladder against the house

Synonyms & Similar Words

• slope
• tilt
• angle
• lean
• tip
• heel
• cant
• slant
• cock
• list
• pitch
• deviate
• bend
• descend
• bank
• decline
• veer
• retreat
• swerve
• recline

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• level
• straighten
• even
• flatten

2

as in to tend

to show a liking or proneness (for something)

a good restaurant for diners who incline to spicy food

Synonyms & Similar Words

• tend
• lean
• trend
• run
• indicate
• point
• gravitate
• go
• suggest

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• avoid
• shun
• shy (from or away from)

Synonym Chooser

How is the word incline different from other verbs like it?

Some common synonyms of incline are bias, dispose, and predispose. While all these words mean "to influence one to have or take an attitude toward something," incline implies a tendency to favor one of two or more actions or conclusions.

I incline to agree

In what contexts can bias take the place of incline?

In some situations, the words bias and incline are roughly equivalent. However, bias suggests a settled and predictable leaning in one direction and connotes unfair prejudice.

the experience biased him against foreigners

When could dispose be used to replace incline?

The words dispose and incline can be used in similar contexts, but dispose suggests an affecting of one's mood or temper so as to incline one toward something.

her nature disposes her to trust others

When would predispose be a good substitute for incline?

The words predispose and incline are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, predispose implies the operation of a disposing influence well in advance of the opportunity to manifest itself.

does fictional violence predispose them to accept real violence?