inclination

noun

in·​cli·​na·​tion ˌin-klə-ˈnā-shən How to pronounce inclination (audio)
ˌiŋ-
Synonyms of inclination
1
: a tendency to a particular aspect, state, character, or action
The door has an inclination to stick.
They have an inclination towards bragging.
2
a
: a deviation from the true vertical or horizontal : slant
also : the degree of such deviation
b
: an inclined surface : slope
c(1)
: the angle determined by two lines or planes
(2)
: the angle made by a line with the x-axis measured counterclockwise from the positive direction of that axis
3
: an act or the action of bending or inclining: such as
a
: bow, nod
b
: a tilting of something
4
a
: a particular disposition of mind or character : propensity
especially : liking
someone with artistic inclinations
had little inclination for housekeeping
b
obsolete : natural disposition : character
inclinational
ˌin-klə-ˈnā-sh(ə-)nəl How to pronounce inclination (audio)
ˌiŋ-
adjective

Synonyms of inclination

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Examples of inclination in a Sentence

She shows no inclination to give in to their demands. He's a loner by inclination. My first inclination was to say no, but I finally decided to do what she asked. I have neither the time nor the inclination to learn about such matters.
Recent Examples on the Web
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.
The inclination to boycott an organization was fairly consistent across party lines—48% of Democrats and 40% of Republicans. — Edward Segal, Forbes.com, 1 Aug. 2026 Undoubtedly, a 3-4-2-1 delivered the best results last season, but the manager’s natural inclination is to play with four defenders. — Luke Bosher, New York Times, 31 July 2026 Markets largely had expected the central bank policymakers to approve another hold on rates, though there had been some inclination – about a 1-in-3 chance, according to the CME Group's FedWatch tool – that a surprise rate hike was in the cards. — Jeff Cox, CNBC, 29 July 2026 People with gene variants that affect these inclinations may also be at a higher risk of developing obesity and type 2 diabetes, researchers found. — Emily Kay Votruba, EverydayHealth.com, 28 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for inclination

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 4b

Time Traveler
The first known use of inclination was in the 14th century

Rhymes for inclination

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Browse Nearby Words

inclinable
inclination
inclination of an orbit
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Inclination.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/inclination. Accessed 7 Aug. 2026.

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Kids Definition

inclination

noun
in·​cli·​na·​tion ˌin-klə-ˈnā-shən How to pronounce inclination (audio)
iŋ-
1
: a feeling of liking or of wanting to do something
an inclination for sleeping late
2
: an act or the action of bending or tilting
3
: a departure from the true vertical or horizontal : slant
the inclination of the earth's axis
also : the amount of such departure
b
: an inclined surface : slope
4
: a quality which leads to some state or action
the door has an inclination to stick
inclinational
-shnəl How to pronounce inclination (audio)
-shən-ᵊl
adjective

Medical Definition

inclination

noun
in·​cli·​na·​tion ˌin-klə-ˈnā-shən, ˌiŋ- How to pronounce inclination (audio)
: a deviation from the true vertical or horizontal
especially : the deviation of the long axis of a tooth or of the slope of a cusp from the vertical

More from Merriam-Webster on inclination

Nglish: Translation of inclination for Spanish Speakers

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