leaning

noun

lean·​ing ˈlē-niŋ 

: a definite but not decisive attraction or tendency

—often used in plural

radical leanings

Synonyms

• current
• direction
• drift
• run
• tendency
• tide
• trend
• wind

Choose the Right Synonym for leaning

leaning, propensity, proclivity, penchant mean a strong instinct or liking for something.

leaning suggests a liking or attraction not strong enough to be decisive or uncontrollable.

a student with artistic leanings

propensity implies a deeply ingrained and usually irresistible inclination.

a propensity to offer advice

proclivity suggests a strong natural proneness usually to something objectionable or evil.

a proclivity for violence

penchant implies a strongly marked taste in the person or an irresistible attraction in the object.

a penchant for taking risks

Examples of leaning in a Sentence

the news media are often accused of having liberal leanings

despite what his athletic leanings might suggest, he was actually a very lazy kid

Recent Examples on the Web

After Henry has Askew burned at the stake for heresy, his Catholic advisers attempt to convince him of Catherine’s similarly heretical leanings, setting the stage for a showdown with potentially deadly consequences. —Meilan Solly, Smithsonian Magazine, 8 May 2024

Today, debate about NPR’s political leanings after an explosive essay by a former editor was published in The Free Press. —Ariel Shapiro, The Verge, 11 Apr. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

leaning

noun

lean·​ing

ˈlē-niŋ

: tendency sense 2, inclination