Definitions

predilection

[pred-l-ek-shuhn, preed-] / ˌprɛd lˈɛk ʃən, ˌprid- /

NOUN

inclination, preference toward something

Synonyms

STRONGEST

fondness leaning penchant predisposition proclivity propensity

STRONG

bent bias dish druthers fancy flash groove inclining liking love mindset partiality proneness taste tendency thing type weakness

WEAK

cup of tea

Antonyms

STRONGEST

disinclination dislike hate hatred

STRONG

fairness impartiality

WEAK

antipathy disinterest

Frequently Asked Questions

What is another word for predilection?

A predilection is a partiality, predisposition, or an inclination, especially for liking or preferring something (in which case you could call it a fondness). The word predilection can imply that this is stronger than a preference—that it’s more of a tendency.

Is it predilection to or predilection for?

We say that someone has a predilection for something, and we also say partiality for, fondness for, and preference for. In contrast, we usually say someone has an inclination toward something. Predilection doesn’t necessarily need to be used with for. Sometimes it just stands alone, as in Among his many predilections was a fondness for tea in the evening.

What part of speech is the word predilection?

Predilection is a noun. It does not have verb or adjective forms. If you wanted to use a verb construction to express that someone has a predilection for something, you could say that they favor it, prefer it, or tend to do it or like it.

How do you use predilection in a sentence?

Predilection is a pretty formal word. It’s usually used in the context of liking things over others or tending to choose something or engage in a particular activity. Sometimes, it suggests a bias toward something. Here are some examples of predilection in a sentence:

When it comes to music, I don’t have a predilection—my taste is very eclectic.
The mayor has a predilection for appearing on TV.
The entire interior design industry seems to have a predilection for minimalism.

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

I worked with Supreme Court Justice Sandra Day O’Connor, who had a real predilection for civics education.

From Salon • Sep. 8, 2025

Questioned in February about Sir Wicknell's predilection for giving away cars, President Mnangagwa dismissed an accusation that the businessman was acting as his frontman.

From BBC • Jun. 21, 2025

She received a torrent of criticism for her budget-cutting predilection, in the form of combative interviews from press that she was seemingly powerless to repel.

From Slate • Jan. 17, 2025

Kathryn Newton stars as Lisa, an odd outcast with a slasher-movie-ready tragic backstory and a predilection for hanging out in the cemetery, leaving trinkets at the grave of a handsome young dead guy.

From Los Angeles Times • Feb. 7, 2024

It was an illusion, of course, generated by Clevinger’s predilection for staring fixedly at one side of a question and never seeing the other side at all.

From "Catch-22" by Joseph Heller

predilection

Frequently Asked Questions

Example Sentences

Vocabulary lists containing predilection

The Crucible

To Kill a Mockingbird

300 Most Difficult "SAT" Words

predilection

Frequently Asked Questions

Example Sentences

Related Words

Vocabulary lists containing predilection

The Crucible

To Kill a Mockingbird

300 Most Difficult "SAT" Words