PROCLIVITY Synonyms: 77 Similar and Opposite Words

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

Some common synonyms of proclivity are leaning , penchant , and propensity . While all these words mean "a strong instinct or liking for something," proclivity suggests a strong natural proneness usually to something objectionable or evil. // a proclivity for violence

Q: When is it sensible to use 'leaning' instead of 'proclivity'?

While in some cases nearly identical to proclivity , leaning suggests a liking or attraction not strong enough to be decisive or uncontrollable. // a student with artistic leanings

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

The words penchant and proclivity can be used in similar contexts, but penchant implies a strongly marked taste in the person or an irresistible attraction in the object. // a penchant for taking risks

Q: In what contexts can 'propensity' take the place of 'proclivity'?

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

proclivity

noun

prō-ˈkli-və-tē

Definition of proclivity

as in tendency

a habitual attraction to some activity or thing showed artistic proclivities at an early age

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How does the noun proclivity contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of proclivity are leaning, penchant, and propensity. While all these words mean "a strong instinct or liking for something," proclivity suggests a strong natural proneness usually to something objectionable or evil.

a proclivity for violence

When is it sensible to use leaning instead of proclivity?

While in some cases nearly identical to proclivity, leaning suggests a liking or attraction not strong enough to be decisive or uncontrollable.

a student with artistic leanings

Where would penchant be a reasonable alternative to proclivity?

The words penchant and proclivity can be used in similar contexts, but penchant implies a strongly marked taste in the person or an irresistible attraction in the object.

a penchant for taking risks

In what contexts can propensity take the place of proclivity?

The words propensity and proclivity 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 proclivity At the age of 3, North had already inherited her mom's proclivity toward daring footwear. — Lydia Price, PEOPLE, 15 June 2026 As for the genie’s proclivity for rapping, Glaser remembers that stemming from O’Neal’s own pursuit of a hip-hop career in the 1990s. — Ryan Gajewski, HollywoodReporter, 12 June 2026 The imagery fits well with Mehta’s proclivity to show violence, frequently linked to his witnessing a murder during the Partition riots of 1947–48. — JSTOR Daily, 4 June 2026 Mendes’ archival Donna Karan dress follows suit with her recent proclivity for vintage pieces. — Julia Teti, Footwear News, 2 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for proclivity

Recent Examples of Synonyms for proclivity

Noun

Green Lantern stories can have a tendency to lean too far into the sc-fi angle, which can alienate a lot of non-hardcore fans.

— Mike Ryan, IndieWire, 13 Aug. 2026
Maynard also commends the company for its presentation of the result, in light of AI’s tendency to copy humans’ mathematical results and present them as its own ideas.

— Joseph Howlett, Scientific American, 12 Aug. 2026

Definition of tendency

Noun

Salumeria 104 Come for Mediterranean vibes in a sidewalk cafe setting across from the sand at this Atlantic Beach restaurant—the inclination to sip an Aperol spritz and share a charcuterie platter is strong.

— Terry Ward, Travel + Leisure, 10 Aug. 2026
Putin will eventually leave office, whether by death, illness, or—against all observable inclinations—stepping aside.

— Julian G. Waller, Foreign Affairs, 7 Aug. 2026

Definition of inclination

Noun

After all, this golf pro and I – given my low golf aptitude at the time – would be spending a lot of time together.

— Moira McCarthy, Boston Herald, 6 Aug. 2026
Interrogations into rabbit vampirism aside, Bunnicula compelled me most because its narrator is a dog—one who, despite his aptitude for writing, cannot otherwise communicate with people.

— Rachel Vorona Cote, The Atlantic, 30 July 2026

Definition of aptitude

Noun

Kevin Lamarque | Reuters Instead of seeing supercomputers as devices that customers buy and use — the argument goes — these systems, filled with Nvidia's graphics processing units that can cost $3 million per rack, look like profitable investments.

— Kif Leswing, CNBC, 11 Aug. 2026
Technology has significantly evolved since then, with 80% of 911 calls nationwide coming from wireless mobile devices rather than landlines tied to specific addresses.

— Sophia Eppley, AJC.com, 10 Aug. 2026

Definition of devices

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“Proclivity.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/proclivity. Accessed 15 Aug. 2026.

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Synonyms of proclivity

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