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 Tropical cyclones have a greater propensity to rapidly intensify as the planet warms, studies have shown, which could imperil coastal populations that might have prepared for a tropical storm but suddenly face a menacing major hurricane. Andrew Freedman, CNN Money, 29 Aug. 2025 But its propensity not to tell the truth could create problems for users. PC Magazine, 29 Aug. 2025 His return jab about her propensity for quitting feels pretty justified. Ben Rosenstock, Vulture, 27 Aug. 2025 The team has shown a propensity for rethinking classic stories and IP in fresh ways, and on top of Knight Rider and Karate Kid/Cobra Kai, the trio has also tackled a spinoff of 1980s classic Ferris Bueller’s Day Off for Paramount. Borys Kit, HollywoodReporter, 26 Aug. 2025 See All Example Sentences for propensity
Recent Examples of Synonyms for propensity
Noun
  • Nowadays people see small images on their phones so there’s a tendency to crop in on everything.
    Adam Morganstern, Forbes.com, 8 Sep. 2025
  • With that said, his biggest flaw remains a tendency to sail throws high from the pocket.
    Tim Crowley, MSNBC Newsweek, 7 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • Kinloch noted the Legislature has shown no inclination to advance bills that create arena taxes.
    Malachi Barrett, Freep.com, 5 Sep. 2025
  • Vesting oversight primarily in defense departments and ministries is a traditional inclination.
    GARY ROUGHEAD, Foreign Affairs, 2 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • 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
  • Herbert’s top-10 aptitude would’ve exposed Olave to fewer dangerous hits.
    Tom Krasovic, San Diego Union-Tribune, 7 Sep. 2025
  • This leads him to discover an unexpected aptitude for cracking safes, turning his life upside down.
    Anthony D'Alessandro, Deadline, 4 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • New downloads of Weather are no longer possible on Wear OS 6 devices from third-party manufacturers, such as Samsung, OnePlus and others.
    PC Magazine, PC Magazine, 12 Sep. 2025
  • Why Healthcare Needs a Data Overhaul Healthcare systems are generating more data than ever before, from electronic health records and lab results to imaging scans, insurance claims, and even patient updates from wearable devices.
    Matthew Kayser, USA Today, 12 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • Capelli wasn’t a businessman and Chouinard wasn’t an activist at this point, but the men shared an affinity for nature and a willingness to challenge authority.
    David Gelles, Time, 9 Sep. 2025
  • At first glance, Spicoli, with his long blonde locks, an affinity for shirtlessness and ambitions only to surf and get high, might seem an odd source of inspiration for business professionals.
    Paul Fitzgerald, Rolling Stone, 8 Sep. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Propensity.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/propensity. Accessed 14 Sep. 2025.

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