PENCHANT Synonyms: 77 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: How does the noun 'penchant' contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of penchant are leaning , proclivity , and propensity . While all these words mean "a strong instinct or liking for something," penchant implies a strongly marked taste in the person or an irresistible attraction in the object. // a penchant for taking risks

Q: When might 'leaning' be a better fit than 'penchant'?

The meanings of leaning and penchant largely overlap; however, leaning suggests a liking or attraction not strong enough to be decisive or uncontrollable. // a student with artistic leanings

Q: When would 'proclivity' be a good substitute for 'penchant'?

The synonyms proclivity and penchant are sometimes interchangeable, but proclivity suggests a strong natural proneness usually to something objectionable or evil. // a proclivity for violence

Q: Where would 'propensity' be a reasonable alternative to 'penchant'?

The words propensity and penchant are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, propensity implies a deeply ingrained and usually irresistible inclination. // a propensity to offer advice

penchant

noun

ˈpen-chənt

Definition of penchant

as in tendency

a habitual attraction to some activity or thing a penchant for sitting by the window and staring moodily off into space

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

How does the noun penchant contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of penchant are leaning, proclivity, and propensity. While all these words mean "a strong instinct or liking for something," penchant implies a strongly marked taste in the person or an irresistible attraction in the object.

a penchant for taking risks

When might leaning be a better fit than penchant?

The meanings of leaning and penchant largely overlap; however, leaning suggests a liking or attraction not strong enough to be decisive or uncontrollable.

a student with artistic leanings

When would proclivity be a good substitute for penchant?

The synonyms proclivity and penchant are sometimes interchangeable, but proclivity suggests a strong natural proneness usually to something objectionable or evil.

a proclivity for violence

Where would propensity be a reasonable alternative to penchant?

The words propensity and penchant are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, propensity implies a deeply ingrained and usually irresistible inclination.

a propensity to offer advice

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 penchant Rather than heed any warning in her stepdaughter’s outburst, Rhaenyra doubles down on her penchant for using and abusing. — Amanda Whiting, Vulture, 10 Aug. 2026 Both Jumbo Bucks and $100,000 Cash Payday kicked off this year, indicating Mendoza has a penchant for newer scratch-off games. — Mark Price, Charlotte Observer, 5 Aug. 2026 With a millennia-old language, a culture all its own, and a penchant for unique dining rituals, the learning curve is steep. — Marti Buckley, Condé Nast Traveler, 3 Aug. 2026 The Miami Dolphins defense has had a penchant for takeaways so far. — Miami Herald, 2 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for penchant

Recent Examples of Synonyms for penchant

Noun

Emery knows that his side are robust when battling adversity yet need to find a way to rectify blind spots in their game, such as the tendency to drift through certain matches and against specific tactical challenges.

— Jacob Tanswell, New York Times, 19 Aug. 2026
Catholics have frequently exemplified the best and worst tendencies of American society.

— Gustavo Arellano, Los Angeles Times, 19 Aug. 2026

Definition of tendency

Noun

Their scouting evaluation, comprehensive enough to unearth the aptitude beneath that bushy head of hair, compelled the team to select Bredeson in the fifth round of the 2026 draft.

— Alec Lewis, New York Times, 18 Aug. 2026
Always consider whether extra effort in the workplace is worth it, because there could be more effective ways to demonstrate your aptitude.

— Chris Dobstaff, Forbes.com, 17 Aug. 2026

Definition of aptitude

Noun

The ultimate challenge is winning backing from rural states and from Republicans with little inclination to lift a finger for left-leaning Hollywood.

— Gene Maddaus, Variety, 19 Aug. 2026
While your first inclination might be to use a face or body scrub, dermatologists recommend a gentle moisturizer packed with rich emollients and beta hydroxy acids (BHAs) or alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs).

— Mary Honkus, Glamour, 18 Aug. 2026

Definition of inclination

Noun

Arm moves into mainframes Arm processors have become widely used across cloud infrastructure, mobile devices and increasingly AI computing.

— Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 25 Aug. 2026
Philadelphia School District officials told CBS News Philadelphia that schools are responsible for determining how students' devices will be secured during the school day.

— Wakisha Bailey, CBS News, 24 Aug. 2026

Definition of devices

Noun

Settling that borders and distance cannot fail to erase the affinity and care that can arise in a mere meeting.

— Leo Barraclough, Variety, 19 Aug. 2026
The movie is inspired by Gavras’ affinity for mythology, having grown up listening to his father interweave tales with myths.

— Rebecca Aizin, PEOPLE, 19 Aug. 2026

Definition of affinity

Noun

While Rahma has learned how to steer his subway debates towards viral moments, the editing process has required the team to hone a knack for finding the story within otherwise chaotic conversations.

— Christian Zilko, IndieWire, 20 Aug. 2026
Cunningham has become a conduit for MAGA grievances, and her knack for garnering attention has been a boon for those championing right wing causes.

— Lorraine Ali, Los Angeles Times, 19 Aug. 2026

Definition of knack

Browse Nearby Words

penalty

penchant

penchants

See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

Style

“Penchant.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/penchant. Accessed 26 Aug. 2026.

Copy Citation

Synonyms of penchant

noun

Synonym Chooser

Example Sentences

Browse Nearby Words

Podcast

Cite this Entry

More from Merriam-Webster

Word of the Day

devolve

Popular in Grammar & Usage

A Who’s Who Regarding ‘Who’s’ and ‘Whose’

'A' or 'an'? What about before 'h'? An Indefinite Article Guide

Why is '-ed' sometimes pronounced at the end of a word?

What's the difference between 'fascism' and 'socialism'?

Commonly Misspelled Words

Popular in Wordplay

Ye Olde Nincompoop: Old-Fashioned Words for 'Stupid'

14 Phobias You Probably Haven't Heard Of

Even More Words That Sound Like Insults But Aren't

Why do we say 'break a leg'?

16 Glee-ridden Words from Schitt's Creek

Popular

A Who’s Who Regarding ‘Who’s’ and ‘Whose’

Ye Olde Nincompoop: Old-Fashioned Words for 'Stupid'

14 Phobias You Probably Haven't Heard Of

Games & Quizzes