Definition of proclivitynext

Synonym Chooser

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 proclivity for research among Gen Zers also extends beyond their computers. Jeena Sharma, Fortune, 1 Apr. 2026 How genuinely erotic the movie is depends on one’s personal proclivities, but there’s no denying that sibling filmmakers Artie and Jim Mitchell had a vision — and that the opportunity to experience that vision in 35mm on the big screen is worth taking the New Bev up on. Jim Hemphill, IndieWire, 26 Feb. 2026 Kennedy’s proclivity for working out in belted denim long predates the knowing wink with which it’s now displayed. Daniel Engber, The Atlantic, 20 Feb. 2026 Running gags include Moses’ age, certain players’ penchant for forgetfulness and star receiver Stefon Diggs’ proclivity for procreation. Michael Silver, New York Times, 5 Feb. 2026 See All Example Sentences for proclivity
Recent Examples of Synonyms for proclivity
Noun
  • Kormákur is an Icelandic filmmaker whose breakout was the 2006 crime drama Jar City and who has a tendency to bounce around both genres and continents.
    Alison Willmore, Vulture, 24 Apr. 2026
  • In 2024, Julie Aitken Schermer, a psychology professor at the University of Western Ontario in Canada, published a paper that showed drivers who modified their exhaust systems to be louder were more likely to have psychopathic and sadist tendencies.
    Harrison Mantas, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 24 Apr. 2026
Noun
  • The inclination is not to pay, according to Alisha Rayner, the city’s director of operations and communications.
    Mark Pazniokas, Hartford Courant, 30 Apr. 2026
  • The 11 satellites on board are flying to a mid-inclination orbit.
    Richard Tribou, The Orlando Sentinel, 29 Apr. 2026
Noun
  • Few Democrats in the party's 2028 presidential sights have an opportunity to demonstrate political strength and party-building aptitude in swing states.
    CBS News, CBS News, 25 Apr. 2026
  • So does discipline, defensive aptitude and goaltending.
    Josh Yohe, New York Times, 24 Apr. 2026
Noun
  • Sometimes the batteries on the trackers would run low, and McGovern’s team would need to remove and recharge the devices, before surreptitiously replacing them.
    Ed Caesar, New Yorker, 30 Apr. 2026
  • In 2021, a critical vulnerability in Log4j—a logging library maintained by a handful of volunteers—exposed hundreds of millions of devices.
    Evan Johnson, IEEE Spectrum, 30 Apr. 2026
Noun
  • His early work with the Heartbreakers had an affinity with the more cutting-edge sounds of punk and new wave; the term pop punk probably comes from the New York Times critic John Rockwell’s write-up of a Petty performance at the Bottom Line in 1977.
    Jack Hamilton, The Atlantic, 28 Apr. 2026
  • When Tezzus met diamond* in 2020, their affinity for music (and weed) kept them close, moving together as a unit.
    Oba Awolowo, Pitchfork, 27 Apr. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Proclivity.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/proclivity. Accessed 1 May. 2026.

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