Thesaurus results for PREDISPOSE

predispose

verb

as in to influence

formal to cause (someone) to be more likely to behave in a particular way or to be affected by a particular condition Past experiences have predisposed her to distrust people. Researchers have identified a gene that may predispose some people to the disease.

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Synonym Chooser

How is the word predispose different from other verbs like it?

Some common synonyms of predispose are bias, dispose, and incline. While all these words mean "to influence one to have or take an attitude toward something," predispose implies the operation of a disposing influence well in advance of the opportunity to manifest itself.

does fictional violence predispose them to accept real violence?

When is it sensible to use bias instead of predispose?

The words bias and predispose are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, bias suggests a settled and predictable leaning in one direction and connotes unfair prejudice.

the experience biased him against foreigners

When is dispose a more appropriate choice than predispose?

While the synonyms dispose and predispose are close in meaning, dispose suggests an affecting of one's mood or temper so as to incline one toward something.

her nature disposes her to trust others

Where would incline be a reasonable alternative to predispose?

While in some cases nearly identical to predispose, incline implies a tendency to favor one of two or more actions or conclusions.

I incline to agree

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 predispose That is true of leaders anywhere, but Israel’s history has predisposed some of its policymakers to focus excessively on day-to-day survival and to misapprehend or ignore strategic dynamics as a result. —

Andrew P. Miller, Foreign Affairs, 5 Dec. 2025 These breeds also have ocular problems such as exophthalmos or bulging eyes which can predispose to dry eye, conjunctivitis, and corneal ulcers. —

Dr. John De Jong, Boston Herald, 30 Nov. 2025 Genetics probably play a role as certain breeds are predisposed. —

Maria Azzurra Volpe, MSNBC Newsweek, 25 Nov. 2025 For instance, scientists suspect that a person’s genetics or hormones can predispose them to the disease, as well. —

Aria Bendix, NBC news, 13 Nov. 2025 See All Example Sentences for predispose

Recent Examples of Synonyms for predispose

Verb

Aesthetics may also be influencing the approach to the work triangle.

— Kristina McGuirk, Better Homes & Gardens, 10 Jan. 2026
Participants were generally healthy in midlife, with low rates of diabetes, hypertension, heart disease, and stroke, which may have influenced the positive outcomes.

— Julia Ries Wexler, Health, 9 Jan. 2026