Thesaurus results for PREDISPOSE

Q: How is the word 'predispose' different from other verbs like it?

Some common synonyms of predispose are bias , dispose , and incline . While all these words mean "to influence one to have or take an attitude toward something," predispose implies the operation of a disposing influence well in advance of the opportunity to manifest itself. // does fictional violence predispose them to accept real violence?

Q: When is it sensible to use 'bias' instead of 'predispose'?

The words bias and predispose are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, bias suggests a settled and predictable leaning in one direction and connotes unfair prejudice. // the experience biased him against foreigners

Q: When is 'dispose' a more appropriate choice than 'predispose'?

While the synonyms dispose and predispose are close in meaning, dispose suggests an affecting of one's mood or temper so as to incline one toward something. // her nature disposes her to trust others

Q: Where would 'incline' be a reasonable alternative to 'predispose'?

While in some cases nearly identical to predispose , incline implies a tendency to favor one of two or more actions or conclusions. // I incline to agree

predispose

verb

Definition of predispose

as in to influence

formal to cause (someone) to be more likely to behave in a particular way or to be affected by a particular condition Past experiences have predisposed her to distrust people. Researchers have identified a gene that may predispose some people to the disease.

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How is the word predispose different from other verbs like it?

Some common synonyms of predispose are bias, dispose, and incline. While all these words mean "to influence one to have or take an attitude toward something," predispose implies the operation of a disposing influence well in advance of the opportunity to manifest itself.

does fictional violence predispose them to accept real violence?

When is it sensible to use bias instead of predispose?

The words bias and predispose are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, bias suggests a settled and predictable leaning in one direction and connotes unfair prejudice.

the experience biased him against foreigners

When is dispose a more appropriate choice than predispose?

While the synonyms dispose and predispose are close in meaning, dispose suggests an affecting of one's mood or temper so as to incline one toward something.

her nature disposes her to trust others

Where would incline be a reasonable alternative to predispose?

While in some cases nearly identical to predispose, incline implies a tendency to favor one of two or more actions or conclusions.

I incline to agree

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 predispose Conditions that predispose to high blood lipid levels can also increase the risk for pancreatitis, especially hypertriglyceridemia, a hereditary condition in breeds like miniature schnauzers and Shetland sheepdogs. — The Washington Post, San Diego Union-Tribune, 25 July 2026 And chaga is high in oxalates, so if you’re predisposed to kidney stones, mushroom coffee with chaga might be risky, Moore says. — Stacey Colino, Time, 22 July 2026 People who are predisposed to certain risk factors can also get screened and meet regularly with an aortic specialist. — Deidre McPhillips, CNN Money, 13 July 2026 Those with a family history of anxiety, for example, may be genetically predisposed. — Kimberly Zapata, Parents, 12 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for predispose

Recent Examples of Synonyms for predispose

Verb

Physical activity, blood pressure, hearing loss, smoking, social isolation, sleep, nutrition, stress management and recovery can all influence our long-term health.

— Mick Safron, Forbes.com, 1 Sep. 2026
In the 19th century, flamenco dancers began using the abanico as an expressive prop, as Cuban song and dance styles such as the guajira influenced the dance form.

— ABC News, ABC News, 1 Sep. 2026

Definition of influence

Verb

But persuading other American companies to follow Chevron into Venezuela remains one of Washington’s biggest challenges.

— Antonio María Delgado, Miami Herald, 2 Sep. 2026
Proponents may face an uphill battle persuading Newsom to sign the bill, which creates a unique revenue stream to pay for the program.

— Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 1 Sep. 2026

Definition of persuade

Verb

For good measure, Pabst’s social media updates took a tongue-in-cheek approach that may have actually convinced people the posts were more playful than actual pleas for help.

— Andrew J. Campa, Los Angeles Times, 30 Aug. 2026
Greyson said nearly five decades of studying near-death experiences has convinced him there is probably something after death.

— Michael Collins, USA Today, 30 Aug. 2026

Definition of convince

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“Predispose.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/predispose. Accessed 4 Sep. 2026.

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