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 We were inherently predisposed to seeing our own liberation connected to these other modes of liberation. — Marlow Stern, Variety, 11 Sep. 2026 Medvedev, 30, is having the kind of season that might drive a player toward intrusive, existential thoughts — even before considering the fact that he is predisposed to them like few sports stars are. — James Hansen, New York Times, 26 Aug. 2026 Mice predisposed to retinal disease were being guarded and watched, around the clock, like tiny celebrities. — E. Tammy Kim, New Yorker, 15 Aug. 2026 The traits that can help build great companies, like perfectionism, relentlessness and high tolerance for risk, are often the same traits that can predispose leaders to burnout, addiction and other mental health conditions. — Jan Gerber, Forbes.com, 12 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for predispose

Recent Examples of Synonyms for predispose

Verb

All the pieces felt artisanal and unexpected, and downright couture level, which will continue to influence trends across the markets.

— Sandra Salibian, Footwear News, 13 Oct. 2026
Semafor reported in 2023 on extensive, leaked Iranian government communications that revealed Iranian attempts to influence US politics.

— Ben Smith, semafor.com, 12 Oct. 2026

Definition of influence

Verb

This line of defense didn’t persuade Sweeney, who reasoned that adding athletes with expired eligibility would mean more, not less, market competition.

— Michael McCann, Sportico.com, 13 Oct. 2026
The company’s reputation was built partly on persuading audiences to take chances on inexpensive, surprising horror outings — often with little more than a compelling premise to go on.

— Alison Foreman, IndieWire, 12 Oct. 2026

Definition of persuade

Verb

Kamala Harris’ defeat convinced some Democratic strategists, like the big-tenters at Third Way and the Searchlight Institute, that Democratic candidates were too easily moved by activists, and that voters held this against them.

— David Weigel, semafor.com, 19 Oct. 2026
Be alert for convincing medical scams Someone who knows your doctor's name or recent treatment details may sound legitimate over the phone.

— Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 18 Oct. 2026

Definition of convince

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predilections

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“Predispose.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/predispose. Accessed 19 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of predispose

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