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 Trump’s presidency may lead to political disaster for the Republicans, given his propensity for piling up debt, shifting the rules of trade and picking fights. Adrian Wooldridge, Twin Cities, 18 June 2025 The camera test photos, which were teased by Murphy on June 13, feature some of the couple's iconic '90s fashion — including JFK Jr.'s ability to pull off both a three-piece suit and a casual open vest-pageboy cap combo, and Bessette's propensity for sleek leather looks. Meredith Kile, People.com, 13 June 2025 Prosecutors and the defense team have been carefully treading the Molineux rule, which generally prohibits using evidence of a defendant’s prior bad behavior to prove their propensity to commit the charges in question. Caitlin Huston, HollywoodReporter, 9 June 2025 His relentlessness and propensity for disruption have galvanized Vituity in its mission to improve as many lives as humanly possible. Imamu "mu" Tomlinson, Forbes.com, 28 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for propensity
Recent Examples of Synonyms for propensity
Noun
  • The bill ultimately continues a generations-long Republican tendency to transfer wealth upward while abandoning working Americans. Davis: The wealth transfer Trump seeks is from government to taxpayers.
    Newsweek Staff, MSNBC Newsweek, 9 July 2025
  • Traits shape your willingness to try new things, your perception of effort, and your comfort level in different environments—making exercise a natural outlet for expressing these tendencies, said Matthew Sacco, PhD, a sports medicine psychologist at Cleveland Clinic.
    Brian Mastroianni, Health, 9 July 2025
Noun
  • The inclination of those operating from this skillset is to evaluate the interrelationships and interconnections within and between steps, processes, systems and people.
    Terina Allen, Forbes.com, 30 June 2025
  • Marseille’s artistic inclination is matched by an obsession with food which, typically, is very different from what appears on plates in the rest of France.
    The Editors, JSTOR Daily, 20 June 2025
Noun
  • The Watch 8 series also offers a 12-minute running test to gauge your current aptitude for the activity from 1 (beginner) to 10 (pro).
    PC Magazine, PC Magazine, 11 July 2025
  • Each drill was designed to test Beringer’s physical makeup and his aptitude for the game.
    Jon Krawczynski, New York Times, 11 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
  • But for Bolduc, despite Gorton’s history of affinity for him, that is more of a projection with a far smaller sample of data to work with.
    Arpon Basu, New York Times, 9 July 2025
  • What Readers Loved About Canada Resorts Canada is teeming with gorgeous coastlines, mountains, lakes, and forests—and our readers have a clear affinity for resorts within close proximity of these natural features.
    Lydia Mansel, Travel + Leisure, 8 July 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Propensity.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/propensity. Accessed 18 Jul. 2025.

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