propensities

noun

plural of propensity
1
as in tendencies
an established pattern of behavior the criminal propensities of the family extended over several generations

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in inclinations
a habitual attraction to some activity or thing a neighbor who has an unfortunate propensity for snooping

Synonyms & Similar Words

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 propensities Based on marginal propensities to consume for the population likely to receive the checks, Smetters estimated that about $400 billion would be spent within the first two quarters after the payments go out. — Nick Lichtenberg, Fortune, 10 Sep. 2026 Here was a way to fix inside digital resin some of her habits and propensities, through the words of three of her daughters. — Eythana Miller, The Dial, 23 June 2026 When creating their own version of the character, the developers at IOI sought to emphasize that insubordination as a gameplay tool, grounding it in this Bond’s age-specific propensities. — Christopher Cruz, Rolling Stone, 28 May 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for propensities
  1. tendencies
  2. inclinations
  3. ways
  4. aptitudes
  5. affinities
Noun
  • Pressure, uncertainty and stress can change the way familiar strengths and behavioral tendencies show up.
    — Paula Johnston, Forbes.com, 5 Oct. 2026
  • As one of several players vying for time at cornerback, Auslander knew his ability to read opposing offenses’ intentions and receivers’ tendencies was critical.
    — Chicago Tribune, Chicago Tribune, 3 Oct. 2026
Definition of tendencies
Noun
  • And a lot of the time, people who have these kinds of inclinations towards children are people who were children who were abused themselves.
    — CT Jones, Rolling Stone, 25 Sep. 2026
  • 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, Literary Hub, 22 Sep. 2026
Definition of inclinations
Noun
  • As a market-maker and pioneer, L’Oréal Professionnel needs to innovate in technical and technological ways others cannot, according to Le Bleis.
    — Jennifer Weil, Footwear News, 2 Oct. 2026
  • By pinpointing what is killing the calves, researchers hope to find ways to protect the vulnerable population.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 2 Oct. 2026
Definition of ways
Noun
  • For this class, the premise is that your purpose in life lies to the intersection of your values, your aptitudes and your interests.
    — Dana Taylor, USA Today, 6 May 2026
  • This model reflects Japan’s long-standing corporate culture, which prioritizes new hires for their general potential—their aptitudes and aspirations, as opposed to their current skill sets or university majors—and then trains them on the job.
    — GRACIA LIU-FARRER, Foreign Affairs, 18 Nov. 2025
Definition of aptitudes
Noun
  • With its affinities for isolation and, at times, imposing scale, Land art conjures archaeology and the geological sublime—vast expanses of space and time.
    — Jeffrey Weiss, Artforum, 1 Oct. 2026
  • The looks were presented in pairs to highlight affinities, variations and visual echoes that reflect the designers’ methodology and approach rooted in the principle of duality.
    — Sandra Salibian, Footwear News, 25 Sep. 2026
Definition of affinities

Browse Nearby Words

propels
propensities
propensity
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Cite this Entry

“Propensities.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/propensities. Accessed 10 Oct. 2026.

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