predispose

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.

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

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 Some Republicans remain predisposed towards few if any trade barriers, while others are simply worried about their political standing back home. Andrew Solender, Axios, 8 Apr. 2025 The most obvious explanation would be that if the reactivation of the virus during a shingles episode predisposes someone to developing dementia, preventing reactivation with the vaccine would reduce the risk of developing dementia. Christopher M. Worsham, Time, 4 Apr. 2025 For example, people who are predisposed to gum disease or trying to manage another dental issue may be advised by their dentist to brush more frequently. Sherri Gordon, Health, 26 Mar. 2025 However, the city itself is on a barrier island, meaning it is already predisposed to rising water levels. Theo Burman, MSNBC Newsweek, 11 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for predispose
Recent Examples of Synonyms for predispose
Verb
  • This generation is growing up in a world where digital transactions are the norm, influencing the development of financial products and services.
    Rupert Lee-Browne, Forbes.com, 10 June 2025
  • Mike McCabe, the veteran gaming industry executive who heads the EWC Foundation, explained how gamesmanship would influence every aspect of the event.
    Nabih Bulos, Los Angeles Times, 9 June 2025
Verb
  • Jonathan Ernst | Reuters European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen managed to persuade the president to give talks more time but, as things stand, the EU has until July 9 to reach a deal with Washington.
    Holly Ellyatt, CNBC, 6 June 2025
  • Be on alert for phishing scams – Fraudsters regularly send emails that appear to be from a reputable source in order to persuade individuals to provide valuable personal information, such as access codes, credit card numbers, Social Security numbers, account numbers, etc.
    Rick Unser, Forbes.com, 5 June 2025
Verb
  • The Miami Herald reported in January that FAU in Palm Beach County was considered the Trump favorite, with FIU hoping to convince the president’s camp that Miami-Dade County’s global appeal, proximity to the Trump Doral resort and newly red politics made FIU the better pick.
    Douglas Hanks, The Orlando Sentinel, 7 June 2025
  • The teenager scored two goals in the match and produced another memorable performance which has perhaps convinced even more people of his Ballon d’Or credentials.
    Ben Church, CNN Money, 6 June 2025

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Predispose.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/predispose. Accessed 17 Jun. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on predispose

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

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