Definition of predilectionnext

Synonym Chooser

How does the noun predilection contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of predilection are bias, prejudice, and prepossession. While all these words mean "an attitude of mind that predisposes one to favor something," predilection implies a strong liking deriving from one's temperament or experience.

a predilection for travel

When could bias be used to replace predilection?

Although the words bias and predilection have much in common, bias implies an unreasoned and unfair distortion of judgment in favor of or against a person or thing.

a strong bias toward the plaintiff

When is it sensible to use prejudice instead of predilection?

The words prejudice and predilection can be used in similar contexts, but prejudice usually implies an unfavorable prepossession and connotes a feeling rooted in suspicion, fear, or intolerance.

a mindless prejudice against the unfamiliar

When can prepossession be used instead of predilection?

While the synonyms prepossession and predilection are close in meaning, prepossession suggests a fixed conception likely to preclude objective judgment of anything counter to it.

a prepossession against technology

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 predilection Not the irony of having a skin-lightening condition (or predilection) while singlehandedly Blackening up the portals of pop music by integrating a music video network that upheld America's racist standard of (in)visibility. Rodney Carmichael, NPR, 3 June 2026 The president seemingly both relates to, and badly needs to rely on, allies who share his predilection for violating laws and human decency. Jonathan Chait, The Atlantic, 27 May 2026 By choosing investment banking, an industry almost entirely based in Manhattan, students were expressing a predilection for its unique lifestyle and consumption options. Literary Hub, 15 May 2026 Only McCarthy could have given us Judge Holden, a bald, sociopathic pedophile with weird skin and a predilection for chaos. Time, 12 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for predilection
Recent Examples of Synonyms for predilection
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
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
Noun
  • The future of talent acquisition will require hiring more for aptitude, adaptability and leadership potential—and less for perfectly linear résumés.
    Dr. Milpha Blamo, Forbes.com, 18 June 2026
  • The North Korean players’ physical aptitude was clear, but coaches were aware of their technical and tactical shortcomings.
    Andrew McNicol, CNN Money, 7 June 2026
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
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
Noun
  • The inspiration came out of the genuine affection that both my troop and our trainers felt toward the pigs.
    Deborah Treisman, New Yorker, 28 June 2026
  • White one-upped her player’s show of affection by wrapping both arms around her.
    Candace Buckner, New York Times, 27 June 2026

Browse Nearby Words

Podcast

Cite this Entry

“Predilection.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/predilection. Accessed 5 Jul. 2026.

More from Merriam-Webster on predilection

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

More from Merriam-Webster