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Showing results for predilection. Search instead for preselectin.
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.

See Examples For:

Like his father, Philip Seymour Hoffman, Mr. Hoffman is proving to be an invaluable performer with a predilection for piquant-to-risky material.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Jul. 30, 2026

Referring to his dour mien and predilection for charcoal gray garb, Rand called him her “undertaker.”

From Los Angeles Times ● Jun. 25, 2026

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

Odile did not mind this predilection, seeing that it went along with, and probably helped, his emancipation from the dullness of his Northampton upbringing.

From "Double Helix" by James D. Watson

Vocabulary lists containing predilection

The Crucible

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To Kill a Mockingbird

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300 Most Difficult "SAT" Words

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