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

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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 Here was Jay, drawing a line between the increasingly popular molly raps of the 2010s with his own penchant for luxury garments. — Jeff Ihaza, Rolling Stone, 19 Aug. 2026 During the joint practices against Tampa Bay, Bailey frustrated the Buccaneers’ offensive line with his lightning-fast speed off the edge, along with his penchant for consistently getting into the backfield. — Antwan Staley, New York Daily News, 15 Aug. 2026 Though males are wingless and females can fly short distances, that reproductive efficiency — combined with its tiny size and penchant for hiding in wood — has supercharged a rapid spread across South Africa. — Jack Bantock, CNN Money, 13 Aug. 2026 Its architecture, much like its previous owners, has a penchant for misdirection. — Natalie Hoberman, Forbes.com, 12 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for penchant

Recent Examples of Synonyms for penchant

Noun

There is a tendency for gloom to descend when thinking about Europe’s economic and business prospects.

— Kamal Ahmed, Fortune, 3 Sep. 2026
Bonnell The enthusiast’s approach Bonnell’s team uses matters because electric motorcycles have an annoying tendency to make power delivery either spectacularly good or spectacularly stupid.

— New Atlas, New Atlas, 2 Sep. 2026

Definition of tendency

Noun

The film’s procedural aspect ticks along just fine, holding the attention without subverting expectations, and carried by actors who, much like the detectives in this case, are ultra-capable professionals with no inclination to go rogue on us.

— Guy Lodge, Variety, 28 Aug. 2026
Collectively, that inclination could lead to bills soaring ever higher.

— Audrey McGlinchy, Los Angeles Times, 26 Aug. 2026

Definition of inclination

Noun

Instead, Cramer pointed to Cook's ability to sustain the iPhone's appeal and keep consumers coming back through successive generations of premium devices.

— Alexa LoMonaco, CNBC, 31 Aug. 2026
Infecting already compromised devices Research published Monday brings the threat into much clearer view.

— Dan Goodin, ArsTechnica, 31 Aug. 2026

Definition of devices

Noun

As opposed to infantile regression, the oceanic feeling can also be understood as a means of recapturing a repressed sense of relation, connection, affinities.

— George Baker, Artforum, 1 Sep. 2026
Bellow felt an affinity with Kennedy’s combination of low-life high jinks, human frailty, and virtuoso style.

— Cynthia Zarin, Harpers Magazine, 1 Sep. 2026

Definition of affinity

Noun

The stellar point guard has always had a knack for either finding the bottom of the net or dishing assists to her teammates to get the job done.

— Scott Thompson OutKick, FOXNews.com, 4 Sep. 2026
The Dodgers should sit Raman in their dugout come playoff time, because her knack for rallying from behind is almost preternatural.

— Gustavo Arellano, Los Angeles Times, 4 Sep. 2026

Definition of knack

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penchant

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“Penchant.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/penchant. Accessed 5 Sep. 2026.

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Synonyms of penchant

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