PENCHANT Synonyms: 77 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: How does the noun 'penchant' contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of penchant are leaning , proclivity , and propensity . While all these words mean "a strong instinct or liking for something," penchant implies a strongly marked taste in the person or an irresistible attraction in the object. // a penchant for taking risks

Q: When might 'leaning' be a better fit than 'penchant'?

The meanings of leaning and penchant largely overlap; however, leaning suggests a liking or attraction not strong enough to be decisive or uncontrollable. // a student with artistic leanings

Q: When would 'proclivity' be a good substitute for 'penchant'?

The synonyms proclivity and penchant are sometimes interchangeable, but proclivity suggests a strong natural proneness usually to something objectionable or evil. // a proclivity for violence

Q: Where would 'propensity' be a reasonable alternative to 'penchant'?

The words propensity and penchant are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, propensity implies a deeply ingrained and usually irresistible inclination. // a propensity to offer advice

penchant

noun

ˈpen-chənt

Definition of penchant next

as in tendency

a habitual attraction to some activity or thing a penchant for sitting by the window and staring moodily off into space

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How does the noun penchant contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of penchant are leaning, proclivity, and propensity. While all these words mean "a strong instinct or liking for something," penchant implies a strongly marked taste in the person or an irresistible attraction in the object.

a penchant for taking risks

When might leaning be a better fit than penchant?

The meanings of leaning and penchant largely overlap; however, leaning suggests a liking or attraction not strong enough to be decisive or uncontrollable.

a student with artistic leanings

When would proclivity be a good substitute for penchant?

The synonyms proclivity and penchant are sometimes interchangeable, but proclivity suggests a strong natural proneness usually to something objectionable or evil.

a proclivity for violence

Where would propensity be a reasonable alternative to penchant?

The words propensity and penchant are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, propensity implies a deeply ingrained and usually irresistible inclination.

a propensity to offer advice

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 penchant Outside of her wedding, Swift has a penchant for wearing white, anyway — especially white gowns. —

Merle Ginsberg, HollywoodReporter, 29 June 2026 The 47th president has long had a penchant for renovations and construction. —

Zachary Schermele, USA Today, 28 June 2026 Kate Middleton shares her mother-in-law’s penchant for pearls, and has been spotted sporting several of Diana’s pearl pieces. —

Hadley Hall Meares, Vanity Fair, 26 June 2026 These are conversation starters best suited for those with open shelving, in-demand dinner parties, and a penchant for high-drama decor. —

Erin Bunch, Bon Appetit Magazine, 25 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for penchant

Recent Examples of Synonyms for penchant

Noun

These deciduous trees are invasive in many areas because of their aggressive roots that spread wide and far, and their tendency to take over native plants.

— Karen Brewer Grossman, Southern Living, 2 July 2026
This is largely because about half of autistic children have a tendency to wander away from safe environments.

— Brittney Melton, NPR, 2 July 2026

Definition of tendency

Noun

Spiritual progress requires fighting against the natural downward inclination of our souls—though fighting, oddly, is also the problem.

— Meghan O’Gieblyn, Harpers Magazine, 30 June 2026
Getty Choosing a college major has always been a big life decision, influenced by not only personal inclinations and talents, but also by starting salaries.

— Courtney Connley-Hampton, Forbes.com, 30 June 2026

Definition of inclination

Noun

But none of that has happened, and Hamas rejected a new disarmament proposal in March that would force it to give up its tunnel network as well as rockets, heavy munitions, explosive devices and assault rifles before any Israel withdrawal.

— Nabih Bulos, Los Angeles Times, 30 June 2026
This one from Amazon is only $36 and can keep your devices charged for up to one week on a single charge.

— Julia Morlino, Travel + Leisure, 30 June 2026

Definition of devices

Noun

The design and materials of devices such as bone saws, fleams and scarifacators – used to bleed veins and skin surfaces – illustrate the close affinity of humans with other animals.

— Katherine Ott, The Conversation, 2 July 2026
Congress has also shown an affinity for weighing in on sports disputes—consider the airtime members of Congress receive when sermonizing on the state of college sports.

— Michael McCann, Sportico.com, 2 July 2026

Definition of affinity

Noun

Philadelphia's mayor at the time, Frank Rizzo, was a brash and brutal populist with a knack for fear-mongering that would make America's current president envious.

— Chris Brennan, USA Today, 2 July 2026
The rookie is an instinctive playmaker who has a knack for creating turnovers.

— Omar Kelly, Miami Herald, 2 July 2026