propensities

noun

plural of propensity
1
as in tendencies
an established pattern of behavior the criminal propensities of the family extended over several generations

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in inclinations
a habitual attraction to some activity or thing a neighbor who has an unfortunate propensity for snooping

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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 propensities Here was a way to fix inside digital resin some of her habits and propensities, through the words of three of her daughters. — Eythana Miller, The Dial, 23 June 2026 When creating their own version of the character, the developers at IOI sought to emphasize that insubordination as a gameplay tool, grounding it in this Bond’s age-specific propensities. — Christopher Cruz, Rolling Stone, 28 May 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for propensities
  1. tendencies
  2. inclinations
  3. ways
  4. aptitudes
  5. affinities
Noun
  • Catholics have frequently exemplified the best and worst tendencies of American society.
    — Gustavo Arellano, Los Angeles Times, 19 Aug. 2026
  • The group will have paramount responsibility in a UCLA offense set to feature optionality and run-pass-option tendencies.
    — Aaron Heisen, Daily News, 17 Aug. 2026
Definition of tendencies
Noun
  • Putin will eventually leave office, whether by death, illness, or—against all observable inclinations—stepping aside.
    — Julian G. Waller, Foreign Affairs, 7 Aug. 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
Definition of inclinations
Noun
  • The tiny and quick drones are being deployed in an increasing number of school districts – part of a growing school security industry as parents and schools find new ways to protect students and staff from carnage.
    — Cindy Von Quednow, CNN Money, 24 Aug. 2026
  • The College-in-3 Exchange was born, and dozens of higher education institutions joined the network to look for ways to help students get degrees faster.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 24 Aug. 2026
Definition of ways
Noun
  • For this class, the premise is that your purpose in life lies to the intersection of your values, your aptitudes and your interests.
    — Dana Taylor, USA Today, 6 May 2026
  • This model reflects Japan’s long-standing corporate culture, which prioritizes new hires for their general potential—their aptitudes and aspirations, as opposed to their current skill sets or university majors—and then trains them on the job.
    — GRACIA LIU-FARRER, Foreign Affairs, 18 Nov. 2025
Definition of aptitudes
Noun
  • The dragons are identical to those seen on screen and each possess unique passive Habit abilities, troop affinities and powerful synergies.
    — Tanya Fedak, Variety, 18 Aug. 2026
  • This week, Margot Robbie, Jennifer Lawrence, and Kristen Stewart all planted a flag, making their personal jorts affinities known.
    — Hannah Jackson, Vogue, 17 Aug. 2026
Definition of affinities

Browse Nearby Words

propels
propensities
propensity
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Cite this Entry

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

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