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Definitions

tendency

[ten-duhn-see] / ˈtɛn dən si /
NOUN
inclination to think or do in a certain way
Synonyms
STRONGEST
bias habit impulse leaning penchant propensity shift trend type weakness
STRONG
addiction affection bent current custom disposition drift inclining liability mind mindset partiality predilection predisposition proclivity proneness readiness run set slant susceptibility temperament thing turn usage way
Antonyms
STRONGEST
dislike hate
STRONG
antipathy disinclination disinterest hatred
NOUN
direction of movement
Synonyms
STRONGEST
bias inclination leaning movement shift trend
STRONG
aim bearing bent course current curve drift drive heading purport run tenor turn turning way

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.

Essiedu says there can be a tendency to view miscarriage only as a physical issue.

From BBC • Mar. 29, 2026

In his seminal work External link on the impact of automation on jobs, MIT economist David Autor noted the tendency of headlines to overstate the extent of job losses from new technology.

From Barron's • Mar. 27, 2026

This tendency has been documented over the years.

From MarketWatch • Mar. 26, 2026

That pattern echoes what economists call skills-biased technological change: the tendency of some new technologies to hollow out routine work while complementing jobs held by more highly educated workers.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 24, 2026

Dad phoned Mrs. de Roo to say that given my “annual tendency to relapse,” he thought extra “homework” was appropriate.

From "Black Swan Green" by David Mitchell

From Roget's 21st Century Thesaurus, Third Edition Copyright © 2013 by the Philip Lief Group.