inclination
noun
in·cli·na·tion ˌin-klə-ˈnā-shən 
ˌiŋ-
1
: a tendency to a particular aspect, state, character, or action
the clutch has an inclination to slip
2
a
: a deviation from the true vertical or horizontal : slant
also : the degree of such deviation
b
: an inclined surface : slope
c(1)
: the angle determined by two lines or planes
(2)
: the angle made by a line with the x-axis measured counterclockwise from the positive direction of that axis
3
: an act or the action of bending or inclining: such as
a
: bow, nod
b
: a tilting of something
4
a
: a particular disposition of mind or character : propensity
especially : liking
had little inclination for housekeeping
b
obsolete : natural disposition : character
inclinational
ˌin-klə-ˈnā-sh(ə-)nəl
adjective ˌiŋ-
Synonyms
- affection
- affinity
- aptitude
- bent
- bias
- bone
- devices
- disposition
- genius
- habitude
- impulse
- leaning
- partiality
- penchant
- predilection
- predisposition
- proclivity
- propensity
- tendency
- turn
See all Synonyms & Antonyms 
Example Sentences
She shows no inclination to give in to their demands. He's a loner by inclination. My first inclination was to say no, but I finally decided to do what she asked. I have neither the time nor the inclination to learn about such matters.
Recent Examples on the Web This inclination to avoid commenting was strategic on two levels. 
Matt Ford, The New Republic, 16 Aug. 2022 My inclination is just to stay out of those discussions. Dan Ariely, WSJ, 7 July 2022 But his inclination was to use the military too often. Kk Ottesen, Washington Post, 21 June 2022 So when Tyler was confronted by the option to stay or leave, his initial inclination was to pack his bags. Scott Keepfer, USA TODAY, 6 May 2022 This inclination to follow the actions of others is known as herding behavior. Joel Johnson, Forbes, 23 Dec. 2021 Hence, an accurate estimate of a galaxy’s inclination is crucial. Anil Ananthaswamy, Scientific American, 22 Dec. 2021 People with this dominant aura color are fearless and bold, with a natural inclination to enjoy life in the form of adventures and experiences in their physical space. Alesandra Dubin, Woman's Day, 15 July 2022 However, soft skills like communication, empathy and emotional intelligence—those that women have a natural inclination toward, yet have historically been written off—are being recognized for their value in business. Vanessa Sturgeon, Forbes, 19 May 2022 See More
Matt Ford, The New Republic, 16 Aug. 2022 My inclination is just to stay out of those discussions. Dan Ariely, WSJ, 7 July 2022 But his inclination was to use the military too often. Kk Ottesen, Washington Post, 21 June 2022 So when Tyler was confronted by the option to stay or leave, his initial inclination was to pack his bags. Scott Keepfer, USA TODAY, 6 May 2022 This inclination to follow the actions of others is known as herding behavior. Joel Johnson, Forbes, 23 Dec. 2021 Hence, an accurate estimate of a galaxy’s inclination is crucial. Anil Ananthaswamy, Scientific American, 22 Dec. 2021 People with this dominant aura color are fearless and bold, with a natural inclination to enjoy life in the form of adventures and experiences in their physical space. Alesandra Dubin, Woman's Day, 15 July 2022 However, soft skills like communication, empathy and emotional intelligence—those that women have a natural inclination toward, yet have historically been written off—are being recognized for their value in business. Vanessa Sturgeon, Forbes, 19 May 2022 See More Word History
First Known Use
14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 4b
Kids Definition
inclination
noun
in·cli·na·tion ˌin-klə-ˈnā-shən
1
: an act or the action of bending or leaning
2
: a usually favorable feeling toward something
His inclination was to walk rather than drive.
3
: slant entry 2, tilt
a steep inclination
Medical Definition
inclination
noun
in·cli·na·tion ˌin-klə-ˈnā-shən, ˌiŋ-
: a deviation from the true vertical or horizontal
especially : the deviation of the long axis of a tooth or of the slope of a cusp from the vertical
inclination
noun
1
as in tendency
a habitual attraction to some activity or thing her natural inclination to help people in need Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
- tendency
- aptitude
- devices
- affinity
- impulse
- predisposition
- predilection
- proclivity
- affection
- propensity
- disposition
- penchant
- knack
- bias
- leaning
- preference
- bent
- turn
- partiality
- talent
- appetite
- addiction
- genius
- habitude
- bone
- gift
- prejudice
- flair
- liking
- like
- taste
- fondness
- partisanship
- favor
- habit
- endowment
- eccentricity
- faculty
- practice
- idiosyncrasy
- one-sidedness
- fancy
- peculiarity
- pattern
- wont
- quirk
- speciality
- specialty
- way
- practise
- forte
- singularity
- convention
- kink
- custom
- routine
- trick
- oddity
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
- disinclination
- dislike
- aversion
- distaste
- allergy
- objectivity
- indifference
- neutrality
- disfavor
- detachment
- impartiality
- averseness
- disrelish
- disliking
- apathy
- nonchalance
- unconcern
- disinterestedness
- insouciance
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 Synonyms & Similar Words
- tilt
- bend
- tip
- angling
- list
- nod
- cock
- twist
- turn
- dip
- veer
- bow
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 Synonyms & Similar Words
- slope
- incline
- gradient
- lean
- pitch
- slant
- diagonal
- climb
- rake
- upgrade
- ascent
- cant
- grade
- bank
- rise
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
- decline
- dip
- descent
- fall
- declivity
- declension
- downgrade
- hanging
- declination
- receding
- hang