leaning

noun

lean·​ing ˈlē-niŋ 

: a definite but not decisive attraction or tendency

—often used in plural

radical leanings

Synonyms of leaning

• direction
• tendency
• tide
• trend

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

Thor described her political views as right leaning, which don’t always align with Evans’. —Matthew Adams, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 4 June 2026

There have been no in-depth conversations or leanings as to Rogers’ preferred destination. —Mario Cortegana, New York Times, 3 June 2026

During that period of time, the majority of American journalists worked for newspapers with definite political leanings, and many newspapers were started by the parties themselves. —Encyclopedia Britannica, 26 May 2026

Bishop Eckman says this resurgence is not a political movement and the new Catholics are right-wing, left-wing and in the middle — driven by their heart rather than their political leanings. —Andy Sheehan, CBS News, 26 May 2026

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for leaning

• cleaning
• gleaning
• greening
• keening
• meaning
• peening
• preening
• screening
• weaning
• careening
• convening
• demeaning

Kids Definition

leaning

noun

lean·​ing

ˈlē-niŋ

: tendency sense 2, inclination