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 While Rowling purposefully taps into readers’ anxieties about technology’s propensity to fuel consumerism and inspire dependency, Harry Potter’s magic should be, by its own terms, no better able to deter its users from consumerism or overreliance than contemporary technologies can. Literary Hub, 26 June 2025 Yes, all the biometric and blood panel testing to identify disease propensities are nice, and will likely become increasingly popular in the private sector. Kelsey Eisen, Robb Report, 26 June 2025 This region is among the nation's most prone to flash flooding, known for its propensity for fast and furious flooding when extreme rain falls, Alan Gerard, CEO of weather consulting company Balanced Weather said. Doyle Rice, USA Today, 8 July 2025 The band played straightforward modern rock in the vein of Three Doors Down except for the occasional propensity to get legitimately heavy (with decidedly less family-friendly lyrics). jsonline.com, 4 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for propensity
Recent Examples of Synonyms for propensity
Noun
  • Because many young parents grew up at a time when diseases like measles were not common, there can be a tendency to not recognize their seriousness.
    Andrew Montequin, jsonline.com, 22 July 2025
  • According to this report, such a tendency creates a false sense of immediacy, which can have a negative impact of real social relationships.
    Eric Wood, Forbes.com, 19 July 2025
Noun
  • At the Soul Train Awards in 1997, Da Brat arrived outfitted in a similarly referential look, but her look evoked tomboy inclinations.
    Julian Randall, Essence, 3 July 2025
  • At a June 5 press conference, one day after the General Assembly closed the regular 2024 session, the governor gave his strongest indication to date of an inclination to seek another four-year term with Lt. Gov. Susan Bysiewicz.
    Keith M. Phaneuf, Hartford Courant, 3 July 2025
Noun
  • This combination of process understanding and technical aptitude creates a powerful force for rapid, relevant application development.
    Ed Jennings, Forbes.com, 11 July 2025
  • That his tantalizing talent was matched by a preternatural aptitude.
    Jack Harris, Los Angeles Times, 1 July 2025
Noun
  • However, instead of removing the minerals from the water, these devices make the minerals soluble in the water.
    Timothy Dale, Better Homes & Gardens, 14 Mar. 2025
  • However, these incidents underscore the importance of regularly updating your devices to stay protected against evolving threats.
    Kurt Knutsson, CyberGuy Report, Fox News, 14 Mar. 2025
Noun
  • So why does Stovall have such an affinity for Charlotte?
    Adam Bell, Charlotte Observer, 23 July 2025
  • Chris Drumgoole, President of DXC Global Infrastructure Solutions, told me that DXC has an affinity for mission-critical environments.
    Steve McDowell, Forbes.com, 21 July 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Propensity.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/propensity. Accessed 29 Jul. 2025.

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