predispose

Definition of predisposenext
as in to influence
formal to cause (someone) to be more likely to behave in a particular way or to be affected by a particular condition Past experiences have predisposed her to distrust people. Researchers have identified a gene that may predispose some people to the disease.

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Synonym Chooser

How is the word predispose different from other verbs like it?

Some common synonyms of predispose are bias, dispose, and incline. While all these words mean "to influence one to have or take an attitude toward something," 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?

When is it sensible to use bias instead of predispose?

The words bias and predispose are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, bias suggests a settled and predictable leaning in one direction and connotes unfair prejudice.

the experience biased him against foreigners

When is dispose a more appropriate choice than predispose?

While the synonyms dispose and predispose are close in meaning, dispose suggests an affecting of one's mood or temper so as to incline one toward something.

her nature disposes her to trust others

Where would incline be a reasonable alternative to predispose?

While in some cases nearly identical to predispose, incline implies a tendency to favor one of two or more actions or conclusions.

I incline to agree

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 predispose The human body is biologically predisposed to follow the same schedule as the rising and setting sun, an internal process known as circadian rhythm. Bestreviews, Chicago Tribune, 15 June 2026 For 45 minutes, the training focused on the trauma that predisposes people to substance use in pregnancy and the increasing prevalance of substance use in pregnancy during the opioid epidemic in Colorado. Karli Swenson, The Conversation, 11 June 2026 Petrescu told me she was predisposed to accept Tate’s explanation that Stern was an opportunist looking for money. Heidi Blake, New Yorker, 8 June 2026 Kaebnick, the bioethicist, said the group was filled with people predisposed to celebrating the web of life and preserving species. Evan Bush, NBC news, 7 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for predispose
Recent Examples of Synonyms for predispose
Verb
  • Not Cleaning Your Machine Another influencing factor on your towels’ absorbency is how often your washing machine itself is cleaned.
    Louise Parks, Martha Stewart, 30 June 2026
  • Together, the findings reinforce how structured peer and leadership advisory environments can influence both strategic clarity and operational execution.
    William Jones, USA Today, 30 June 2026
Verb
  • Since Mary Grace’s death, her parents have poured their energy into persuading lawmakers to make camps safer by banning cabins in active flood plains, mandating 24-7 weather monitoring and requiring rigorous annual evacuation training.
    Johnny Dodd, PEOPLE, 1 July 2026
  • Marketing and communications professionals rely on language to inform, persuade and connect with audiences.
    Expert Panel®, Forbes.com, 30 June 2026
Verb
  • Notes Sherman Oaks Notre Dame has been able to convince standout safety and top athlete Tahj Skinner to play quarterback this season.
    Eric Sondheimer, Los Angeles Times, 28 June 2026
  • They were saved at the last minute by the owner of the mill, who convinced the arriving American army of their worth.
    Sophie Tanno, CNN Money, 28 June 2026

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Cite this Entry

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

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