Definition of propensitynext

Synonym Chooser

How does the noun propensity contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of propensity are leaning, penchant, and proclivity. While all these words mean "a strong instinct or liking for something," propensity implies a deeply ingrained and usually irresistible inclination.

a propensity to offer advice

When is it sensible to use leaning instead of propensity?

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

a student with artistic leanings

When can penchant be used instead of propensity?

The words penchant and propensity are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, penchant implies a strongly marked taste in the person or an irresistible attraction in the object.

a penchant for taking risks

When could proclivity be used to replace propensity?

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

a proclivity for 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 propensity One of the main culprits is the models’ propensity for sycophancy. Allison Parshall, Scientific American, 18 June 2026 Nikolaj Ehlers’ lack of predictability and propensity for giveaways kept him off the top line. Murat Ates, New York Times, 17 June 2026 In the episode of Deadly Influence, Rahkim recounts his brother's propensity for social media content creation. Tabitha Parent, PEOPLE, 12 June 2026 His propensity for committing silly fouls has been a common talking point when his teams have underperformed. Bennett Durando, Denver Post, 12 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for propensity
Recent Examples of Synonyms for propensity
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 council in 2024 rejected a 498-unit apartment complex nearby in Deer Canyon over similar concerns related to evacuations and the area’s proneness to blazes.
    Victoria Le, Oc Register, 14 Jan. 2026
  • Both Max’s debut LP, Heaven & Hell, and her sophomore album, Diamonds and Dancefloors, were pushed back for release because of leaks, and Max has addressed her music’s proneness to making its way online before release in the past.
    Tomás Mier, Rolling Stone, 19 Aug. 2025
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

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Cite this Entry

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

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