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 next

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 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 The Mexican government had already witnessed the Jalisco cartel’s proclivity for brazen killing. —

Steve Fisher, Los Angeles Times, 17 May 2026 With Balanchine—whose brush with Bradley came after his precocious beginnings with the Ballets Russes but before his immigration to America and eventual founding of New York City Ballet—Footer pushes hard on not much more than the fact that the two choreographers shared dancers and proclivities. —

Brian Seibert, New Yorker, 13 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for proclivity

Recent Examples of Synonyms for proclivity

Noun

These deciduous trees are invasive in many areas because of their aggressive roots that spread wide and far, and their tendency to take over native plants.

— Karen Brewer Grossman, Southern Living, 2 July 2026
This is largely because about half of autistic children have a tendency to wander away from safe environments.

— Brittney Melton, NPR, 2 July 2026

Definition of tendency

Noun

Spiritual progress requires fighting against the natural downward inclination of our souls—though fighting, oddly, is also the problem.

— Meghan O’Gieblyn, Harpers Magazine, 30 June 2026
Getty Choosing a college major has always been a big life decision, influenced by not only personal inclinations and talents, but also by starting salaries.

— Courtney Connley-Hampton, Forbes.com, 30 June 2026

Definition of inclination

Noun

The Entertainment Thanks to high-speed Starlink Wi-Fi available on JSX flights, travelers are free to stream and browse directly on their personal devices.

— Annie Archer, Travel + Leisure, 7 July 2026
As more Florida seniors use wearables like continuous glucose monitors, remote blood pressure monitors, smartwatches and fitness trackers, concern grows about who has access to the data these devices collect.

— Cindy Krischer Goodman, Miami Herald, 6 July 2026

Definition of devices

Noun

The design and materials of devices such as bone saws, fleams and scarifacators – used to bleed veins and skin surfaces – illustrate the close affinity of humans with other animals.

— Katherine Ott, The Conversation, 2 July 2026
Congress has also shown an affinity for weighing in on sports disputes—consider the airtime members of Congress receive when sermonizing on the state of college sports.

— Michael McCann, Sportico.com, 2 July 2026