incline 1 of 2

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

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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

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2
as in to tend
to show a liking or proneness (for something) a good restaurant for diners who incline to spicy food

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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?

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 incline
Noun
As such, Raleigh's new icon will likely be best suited to slight inclines and fairly level city streets. New Atlas, 5 July 2025 There’s a slight incline before the trail levels out and travels along the hillside, overlooking the park and nearby elementary school. Maura Fox, San Diego Union-Tribune, 21 Apr. 2025
Verb
Even officials inclined toward reform are unable to overcome these obstacles. Roya Boroumand, Time, 9 July 2025 To determine where families may be inclined to move, WalletHub published a survey comparing over 180 U.S. cities across 45 key factors, from the cost of housing to the quality of local school and healthcare systems to opportunities for fun and recreation. Alexis Simmerman, Austin American Statesman, 2 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for incline
Recent Examples of Synonyms for incline
Noun
  • Even on their romantic outing on the ice rink and slopes, the lovebirds chose to wear complementing cozy 'fits.
    Michelle Lee, People.com, 25 July 2025
  • The lower-level entrance did not meet accessibility standards due to the steep slope of the walkway, according to library officials, and water collected at the base of the walkway near the building, at times entering the building.
    Frederick Melo, Twin Cities, 24 July 2025
Verb
  • The windfall represents a dramatic departure from the collegiate body’s longstanding amateur model but could level a playing field that was tilted away from the Terps, according to coach Michael Locksley.
    Edward Lee, Baltimore Sun, 31 July 2025
  • Probably not, but these are already Democratic-leaning states that could tilt toward a big, blue blowout if the political environment for Trump and the Republicans doesn't improve quickly.
    David Faris, MSNBC Newsweek, 31 July 2025
Verb
  • Job growth tends to slow in the summer months and at the turn of some firms’ fiscal years, but the US labor market is also in the thick of a structural slog, with job gains overwhelmingly concentrated in a fraction of industries.
    Alicia Wallace, CNN Money, 31 July 2025
  • Many students who live on the north side take buses to schools on the city’s east and south side, where schools tend to be more crowded and roster sizes tended to be higher.
    Rory Linnane, jsonline.com, 31 July 2025
Noun
  • Our inclination might be to freeze event planning and ride out the storm, but history shows that innovation thrives in adversity.
    Shawn Pierce, Forbes.com, 22 July 2025
  • SpaceX's Falcon 9 rocket arced downrange over the Atlantic Ocean, heading northeast to place its payload into the Kuiper constellation at an inclination of 51.9 degrees to the equator.
    Stephen Clark, ArsTechnica, 16 July 2025
Verb
  • Once a highly popular brand amongst younger consumers across the globe, the Italian brand leaned heavily into hype and cultural moments.
    Clara Ludmir, Forbes.com, 30 July 2025
  • Continuing her renaissance after The Last Showgirl, Anderson displays impeccable comic timing, never leaning too hard into a line when her breathy throwaway delivery can land a bigger laugh.
    David Rooney, HollywoodReporter, 30 July 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Incline.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/incline. Accessed 7 Aug. 2025.

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