lean on

verb

leaned on; leaning on; leans on

transitive verb

: to apply pressure to
They were leaning on the governor to pass the law.

Examples of lean on in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
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.
Men tend to lean on their positions of authority as a senior executive or even a CFO or CEO, while women take the tactic of being in distress. Amanda Gerut, Fortune, 1 Jan. 2026 In looking to upgrade military tech and return astronauts to the moon for the first time in more than 50 years, the government is leaning on more companies outside of traditional defense names such as Lockheed Martin and Northrop Grumman. Samantha Subin, CNBC, 31 Dec. 2025 In a relationship swap for the record books, the two heartbroken divorcées leaned on each other and fell in love, marrying on New Year's Day 2011 in a beach wedding at the Rincon Ocean Villa in Puerto Rico. Laura Lane, PEOPLE, 31 Dec. 2025 For another Aspen outing, Carey leaned on a different Gucci design, choosing a tall black leather boot with a rounded toe and block heel, paired with black velvet GG-logo pants and a tiger-print fur coat. Maggie Clancy, Footwear News, 31 Dec. 2025 See All Example Sentences for lean on

Word History

First Known Use

circa 1960, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of lean on was circa 1960

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Cite this Entry

“Lean on.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/lean%20on. Accessed 7 Jan. 2026.

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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