1
as in tendencies
a habitual attraction to some activity or thing
her natural inclination to help people in need
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
3
as in inclines
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
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Recent Examples of inclinations
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
Who knew that such daring would lead to a film that avoids these inclinations entirely, especially one that could have so easily leaned into controversial territory?
—David Opie, IndieWire, 15 Apr. 2026
Samuel Alito’s inclinations have not been hard to discern lately.
—Peter S. Canellos, The Atlantic, 10 Apr. 2026
Even in the present tense, the characters express no political opinions, taste in movies and music, hobbies—or backstories that shape such inclinations.
—Richard Brody, New Yorker, 7 Apr. 2026
This is the standard for ramp inclinations that are usable for most people, especially wheelchair users.
—K. Desbouis, Artforum, 6 Feb. 2026
Trump’s inclinations to make every race about him could foul this for the GOP.
—Philip Elliott, Time, 26 Jan. 2026
The trick is to select a paint color that is calming and neutral enough so as not to be too visually demanding, while also speaking to your personal style and color inclinations.
—Patricia Shannon, Southern Living, 19 Jan. 2026
Ramírez attended the Liceo Fermín Toro, a public school with a reputation for revolutionary politics and catering to high-society families of slightly bohemian inclinations.
—Literary Hub, 16 Jan. 2026
Marcus Thompson Ii, New York Times, 10 May 2026
Who knew that such daring would lead to a film that avoids these inclinations entirely, especially one that could have so easily leaned into controversial territory?
—David Opie, IndieWire, 15 Apr. 2026
Samuel Alito’s inclinations have not been hard to discern lately.
—Peter S. Canellos, The Atlantic, 10 Apr. 2026
Even in the present tense, the characters express no political opinions, taste in movies and music, hobbies—or backstories that shape such inclinations.
—Richard Brody, New Yorker, 7 Apr. 2026
This is the standard for ramp inclinations that are usable for most people, especially wheelchair users.
—K. Desbouis, Artforum, 6 Feb. 2026
Trump’s inclinations to make every race about him could foul this for the GOP.
—Philip Elliott, Time, 26 Jan. 2026
The trick is to select a paint color that is calming and neutral enough so as not to be too visually demanding, while also speaking to your personal style and color inclinations.
—Patricia Shannon, Southern Living, 19 Jan. 2026
Ramírez attended the Liceo Fermín Toro, a public school with a reputation for revolutionary politics and catering to high-society families of slightly bohemian inclinations.
—Literary Hub, 16 Jan. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for inclinations
Noun
-
But over time, these tendencies have taken their toll.—
Charles Trepany,
USA Today,
14 May 2026
-
The movie only hints at the underlying social tendencies that a populist exploits.—
Richard Brody,
New Yorker,
13 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
-
True, the Avs have been stuck in second gear over the first three tilts of this series, and there probably won’t be a fifth game.—
Sean Keeler,
Denver Post,
24 Apr. 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
-
Roller coasters are defined as a ride with an elevated railway with sharp curves and steep inclines, but even roller coasters have tons of different subtypes based on what the tracks and support structures are made of (namely wooden or steel), how the riders are positioned, and the ride’s speed.—
Sara Kiley Watson,
Popular Science,
13 May 2026
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
Noun
-
This definition extends from salaries and wages to income from tips and bonuses, all the way to income received from competing on a game show.—
Nathan Goldman,
Forbes.com,
20 May 2026
-
Here are a few tips and tricks for home-gardening caregivers to consider.—
Jamie Siebrase,
Denver Post,
20 May 2026
Noun
-
Grizzlies and bighorn sheep roam the rocky slopes.—
Shilo Urban,
Travel + Leisure,
19 May 2026
-
Europe’s mountains, long celebrated for tourism and ski slopes, may soon be famous for what lies beneath them.—
Mrigakshi Dixit,
Interesting Engineering,
18 May 2026
Noun
-
While tons of beauty professionals have ties, affinities, and contractual obligations with designer brands, many swear by drugstore or equally accessible products to get their clients star-worthy outcomes.—
Gina Vaynshteyn,
StyleCaster,
11 May 2026
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Its formal and ontological affinities with dysfunction, fragmentation, and violence would seem to render that debt proverbial to the point of cliché.—
Ara H. Merjian,
ARTnews.com,
16 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
The ride travels on an elliptical track and whips riders around bends.—
Finch Walker,
USA Today,
8 May 2026
-
The fjord bends, combined with the ship being far enough away and in deep water, were key factors that saved them.—
Ella Nilsen,
CNN Money,
6 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Inclinations.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/inclinations. Accessed 22 May. 2026.
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