inclination

noun

ˌin-klə-ˈnā-shən How to pronounce inclination (audio)
Definition of inclinationnext
1
as in tendency
a habitual attraction to some activity or thing her natural inclination to help people in need

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in tilt
the act of positioning or an instance of being positioned at an angle the photographer adjusted the inclination of the sitter's head

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3
as in slope
the degree to which something rises up from a position level with the horizon the inclination of the hill is gentle, so walking up it isn't too bad

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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 inclination The trustees feared that if something happened to him, his heir apparent, Robert Kahn, would replace him, and it was known that Kahn had Zionistic inclinations. — Literary Hub, 22 Sep. 2026 Especially with early-stage organizations, there is a natural inclination to change too quickly. — Expert Panel®, Forbes.com, 18 Sep. 2026 Unlike Emery’s inclination for new signings to bed in, Jackson has had no period of grace. — Jacob Tanswell, New York Times, 9 Sep. 2026 Isar officials did not immediately specify the exact altitude and inclination of the Spectrum rocket’s final orbit. — Stephen Clark, ArsTechnica, 6 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for inclination
Recent Examples of Synonyms for inclination
  1. tendency
  2. tilt
  3. slope
  4. aptitude
  5. incline
  6. devices
  7. affinity
Noun
  • Or perhaps the increase reflects an institutional tendency toward over-enforcement.
    — Bobby Burack OutKick, FOXNews.com, 6 Oct. 2026
  • This combines the annual seasonal pattern, the four-year election cycle and the decadal tendencies (years that end in 6).
    — Michael Santoli, CNBC, 6 Oct. 2026
Definition of tendency
Noun
  • Neither a tilt toward Washington nor an embrace of multilateral diplomacy will solve the deeper problem that is eroding Brazil’s foreign policy autonomy and keeping it from turning its assets into real strength.
    — MATIAS SPEKTOR, Foreign Affairs, 2 Oct. 2026
  • The tilt toward renting over buying comes down to simple math.
    — The Editorial Board, Chicago Tribune, 2 Oct. 2026
Definition of tilt
Noun
  • In September, high tides and powerful wave activity from Hurricane Marie buffeted the San Clemente coastline, temporarily halting Pacific Surfliner and Metrolink service after more erosion and slope damage were spotted near the train tracks.
    — Summer Lin, Los Angeles Times, 8 Oct. 2026
  • Two to 3 inches of rain are expected in the Charlotte region, the mountains and Upstate South Carolina from Isaias, with higher amounts – 3 or 4 inches – along steep slopes of the Blue Ridge Mountains, NWS meteorologists said.
    — Joe Marusak, Charlotte Observer, 8 Oct. 2026
Definition of slope
Noun
  • Naturally, his work at Celine has now been put in conversation with hers, especially because both designers share an aptitude for creating clothes real people want to wear–and, therefore, many of the same fans.
    — Joan Kennedy, Vogue, 2 Oct. 2026
  • But their aptitude and affection for the sport would be passed down through two different families in two different states, from one generation to the next, before reaching Luke and his brothers.
    — Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 17 Sep. 2026
Definition of aptitude
Noun
  • There's also reverse assist for younger riders who may not be the most confident about backing up a motorcycle on an incline.
    — New Atlas, New Atlas, 28 Sep. 2026
  • Waiting until cases are clearly on a sharp incline can mean protection will come too late.
    — Beth Mole, ArsTechnica, 9 Sep. 2026
Definition of incline
Noun
  • Investigators are still combing through the suspects' cellphones, dashboard cameras and other devices for clues about potential links to Iran.
    — Steve Hendrix, Arkansas Online, 6 Oct. 2026
  • Amazon founder Jeff Bezos’s latest startup Prometheus is using AI to assist engineers in the design and manufacturing of a range of devices—from computers to automobiles to jet engines.
    — Sam Forsdick, Fortune, 5 Oct. 2026
Definition of devices
Noun
  • The shared affinity was clear in the celebration, as Mesa sprayed Cash with alcohol, and Vilade and Erik Neander, the team’s president of baseball operations, embraced while Vilade was interviewed.
    — Nicolas Villamil, The Orlando Sentinel, 8 Oct. 2026
  • The Traitors duo is finding their groove, and Maura is settling into her clear natural affinity for dance.
    — Katie Campione, Deadline, 6 Oct. 2026
Definition of affinity

Browse Nearby Words

inclement
inclination
inclinations
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Cite this Entry

“Inclination.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/inclination. Accessed 9 Oct. 2026.

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