Definition of inclinationnext
1
2
as in tilt
the act of positioning or an instance of being positioned at an angle the photographer adjusted the inclination of the sitter's head

Synonyms & Similar Words

3
as in slope
the degree to which something rises up from a position level with the horizon the inclination of the hill is gentle, so walking up it isn't too bad

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 inclination Marc Dos Santos went against his natural inclination in Toluca, Mexico. Josh Gross, Daily News, 10 May 2026 The ability to create offense individually, put pressure on the rim and set up stationary shooters — as much as such violates Kerr’s inclinations — have become necessary to beat good modern defenses. Marcus Thompson Ii, New York Times, 10 May 2026 Salumeria 104 Come for Mediterranean vibes in a sidewalk cafe setting across from the sand at this Atlantic Beach restaurant—the inclination to sip an Aperol Spritz and share a charcuterie platter is strong. Terry Ward, Travel + Leisure, 9 May 2026 Specifically, the inclination of consumers to search for lower prices during a spike. Business Columnist, Los Angeles Times, 7 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for inclination
Recent Examples of Synonyms for inclination
Noun
  • People have a tendency to be pushy, aggressive and even compulsive today.
    Georgia Nicols, Denver Post, 15 May 2026
  • Since the materials are designed to be stain-resistant and water-repellant, this couch perfectly suits our tendency to eat and drink in the living room.
    Meg Kernahan, Architectural Digest, 15 May 2026
Noun
  • One which changes profoundly with the tilts and turn of the planet, yet its essence holds true.
    Nick Scott, Robb Report, 17 May 2026
  • The best Monday night matchup, though, may be the Week 5 tilt between the Bills and Rams in Los Angeles.
    Mike Jones, New York Times, 16 May 2026
Noun
  • All sorts of variables are logged if available — altitude, lie, slope.
    Gabby Herzig, New York Times, 15 May 2026
  • The comfortable seating area in the living room includes couches and armchairs set in front of the TV and fireplace for relaxing after a day on the slopes, and a dining table provides a nice spot to relax and eat.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 14 May 2026
Noun
  • Malo Gusto is athletically capable of being the Frimpong at Chelsea, but has not demonstrated the same level of aptitude in front of goal.
    Liam Twomey, New York Times, 17 May 2026
  • 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
Noun
  • Be prepared for a few steep inclines (and, unfortunately, background traffic noise from a nearby road).
    Robert Annis, Midwest Living, 16 May 2026
  • As Meernik explained, participants began by walking on a treadmill that gradually increased in incline and speed, and kept going until continuing became unsafe or too hard.
    Sarah Garone, Health, 13 May 2026
Noun
  • In the Jobs era, the Apple ecosystem was its biggest competitive advantage — Cook doubled down on it, with all devices working seamlessly together.
    Vitaliy Katsenelson, Fortune, 14 May 2026
  • Despite their tiny size, the devices delivered some of the strongest efficiencies reported for ultrathin perovskite solar technology.
    Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 14 May 2026
Noun
  • Alcock, who has an affinity for cats, shares something with those charming but unknowable animals, Nogueira says.
    Kate Aurthur, Variety, 20 May 2026
  • Someone had dated a clown and recommended it because of clowns’ ability to access true mask-off vulnerability; someone else had dated a clown and warned me off doing the same because of clowns’ affinity for telling lies.
    Tania Franco Klein, Vulture, 20 May 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Inclination.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/inclination. Accessed 22 May. 2026.

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