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 The genre has come to be known for its friction, with a propensity for baffling mazelike settings, acute sense of isolation and often punishing combat. Lewis Gordon, New York Times, 20 Feb. 2025 The violence is shocking by Severance standards, but one thing the show has already demonstrated is a propensity for riveting music sequences. Josh Wigler, The Hollywood Reporter, 21 Mar. 2025 In five games since his cross-continent journey to join the Wild in Vancouver, Brazeau has shown a propensity for going to the net with his 6-foot-6 frame, but has yet to record a point. Jess Myers, Twin Cities, 16 Mar. 2025 The lack of elite arm strength, and his propensity for holding onto the ball for too long will have to be addressed during the draft process. Eddie Brown, San Diego Union-Tribune, 7 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for propensity
Recent Examples of Synonyms for propensity
Noun
  • Traveling East might have been an appropriate tendency for early humans living in what is now Europe near the end of the Ice Age.
    Paul Smaglik, Discover Magazine, 4 Apr. 2025
  • Understanding Home Bias As mentioned before, home bias is the tendency to over-invest in your home country.
    Cicely Jones, Forbes.com, 4 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • Stolarz’s inclination to shout instructions at teammates on the ice, often with serious levels of hostility in the name of competition, comes to him naturally.
    Joshua Kloke, New York Times, 8 Apr. 2025
  • Tariffs are designed for a combination of reasons, including protecting domestic markets; inviting foreign investment; and becoming more effective using capabilities, inclinations, and talents in other parts of the world.
    Erik Sherman, Forbes.com, 7 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • His and Hubbard's distinct approaches underscore the region’s aptitude for versatility.
    Nicole Kliest, Vogue, 24 Mar. 2025
  • According to the archaeologists, the transition from stone to bone was a feat of abstract thinking, requiring an aptitude in toolmaking and an appreciation that the knapping techniques that worked on one material would also work on another.
    Sam Walters, Discover Magazine, 5 Mar. 2025
Noun
  • The combination of IoT and AI enables connected devices to collect, analyze and act on data in real-time.
    Rahul Saluja, Forbes, 26 Dec. 2024
  • Just in time for Christmas, certain members of Congress are hard at work in their policy shops, fashioning a massive lump of cybersecurity coal with which to gift American users of electronic devices.
    David Williams, National Review, 26 Dec. 2024
Noun
  • Seaside Park was known for many years as the site of the Gathering of the Vibes festivals, which had an affinity for the sounds and culture of the Grateful Dead.
    Christopher Arnott, Hartford Courant, 31 Mar. 2025
  • Characterized by: Increasing ability and increasing affinity.
    Cornelia C. Walther, Forbes.com, 29 Mar. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Propensity.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/propensity. Accessed 16 Apr. 2025.

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