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

Career Fit Is a Business Issue There is a persistent tendency in the legal profession to interpret difficulty in a role as a personal shortcoming.

— Malana VanTyler, USA Today, 26 Aug. 2026
The National Association of Theatre Owners changed its name last year to Cinema United, which is more aspirational than descriptive, as Aron — a board member — has a tendency to go his own way.

— Gene Maddaus, Variety, 25 Aug. 2026

Definition of tendency

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

For Collins, the aspect of his personal investments that has gained the most attention is his affinity for cryptocurrencies.

— Isaac Sabetai, AJC.com, 24 Aug. 2026
As a result, a single disclosure can be amplified through viral content and affinity networks faster than conventional security planning can react.

— Control Risks, Forbes.com, 20 Aug. 2026

Definition of affinity

Noun

As Heather Brown reports, Harper's family says the fifth grader had a knack for making every day count.

— Heather Brown, CBS News, 27 Aug. 2026
Once again, the artist brought her knack for publicity to bear, as the performances frequently drew a police presence and thus, subsequently, that of the press.

— News Desk, Artforum, 27 Aug. 2026

Definition of knack

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penchant

penchants

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“Penchant.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/penchant. Accessed 2 Sep. 2026.

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Synonyms of penchant

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