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as in trend
a prevailing or general movement or inclination we'll be seeing a tendency for skirt lengths to get shorter this coming season

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Synonym Chooser

How is the word tendency different from other nouns like it?

Some common synonyms of tendency are current, drift, tenor, and trend. While all these words mean "movement in a particular direction," tendency implies an inclination sometimes amounting to an impelling force.

a general tendency toward inflation

In what contexts can current take the place of tendency?

Although the words current and tendency have much in common, current implies a clearly defined but not necessarily unalterable course.

an encounter that changed the current of my life

When is it sensible to use drift instead of tendency?

In some situations, the words drift and tendency are roughly equivalent. However, drift may apply to a tendency determined by external forces, or it may apply to an underlying or obscure trend of meaning or discourse.

the drift of the population away from large cities
got the drift of her argument

Where would tenor be a reasonable alternative to tendency?

The synonyms tenor and tendency are sometimes interchangeable, but tenor stresses a clearly perceptible direction and a continuous, undeviating course.

the tenor of the times

When can trend be used instead of tendency?

The words trend and tendency can be used in similar contexts, but trend applies to the general direction maintained by a winding or irregular course.

the long-term trend of the stock market is upward

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 tendency Does the couch have a tendency to sag? Zoë Sessums, Architectural Digest, 4 Sep. 2025 The tendency to shut out those without connections or family ties from one of the industry’s traditional entry points has become increasingly visible, with potential ramifications for its future. Katie Kilkenny, HollywoodReporter, 4 Sep. 2025 Sure enough, Enciso shone on his return to the team, as a half-time substitute in a 3-1 home defeat by rivals Crystal Palace, but his tendency to go it alone was highlighted in a 0-0 home draw with Brentford just after Christmas. Andy Naylor, New York Times, 4 Sep. 2025 Dennis is often seen playing it as a way of acting out his manipulative tendencies toward actual human beings, and Dennis and Roman also go to a Hollywood party as Sims. Ryan Lattanzio, IndieWire, 4 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for tendency
Recent Examples of Synonyms for tendency
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
  • The Price Tracker also sheds light on national trends.
    ABC News, ABC News, 11 Sep. 2025
  • Believe in your authentic value, in your own development—don't let trends unsettle you.
    Caterina De Biasio, Vogue, 11 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
  • Things seemed to be going Sporting KC’s way in the first half of a Sunday night matchup with fellow Western Conference playoff hopeful Austin FC.
    Daniel Sperry, Kansas City Star, 8 Sep. 2025
  • Some of these technologies are essential for ensuring the proper functioning of the service or website and cannot be disabled, while others are optional but serve to enhance the user experience in various ways.
    Matthew Strauss, Pitchfork, 8 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • Levine Cava noted that her 2026 budget proposal has funds for a new animal shelter in South Miami-Dade but that sterilization efforts need to increase significantly to turn the tide on the dog population.
    Amanda Rosa, Miami Herald, 8 Sep. 2025
  • Although the tide is turning (subscription required), there’s still a misconception that the trades are low-paying, dead-end jobs.
    Andrew Schaap, Forbes.com, 8 Sep. 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
  • Shildt went with Cronenworth at shortstop Sunday based on the handedness of the opposing starter and Padres starter Dylan Cease’s propensity for inducing fly balls rather than an abundance of grounders.
    Kevin Acee, San Diego Union-Tribune, 9 Sep. 2025
  • Some of that could be explained by at-the-line adjustments, a propensity to get Chuba Hubbard and the run game going.
    Alex Zietlow, Charlotte Observer, 8 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • Mother Monster took home the artist of the year award, best collaboration, best direction, and best art direction at the MTV Video Music Awards, which took place at UBS Arena in Elmont, New York.
    Clare Fisher, PEOPLE, 8 Sep. 2025
  • Once the band reaches your chest, slowly reverse the direction, keeping your elbows straight.
    Jakob Roze, Health, 8 Sep. 2025

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Cite this Entry

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

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