leaning

noun

lean·​ing ˈlē-niŋ How to pronounce leaning (audio)
Synonyms of leaningnext
: a definite but not decisive attraction or tendency
often used in plural
radical leanings
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
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.
Everyone in the world does not and should not be defined by their political leanings, their race, their gender, their beliefs. Chicago Tribune, 1 Jan. 2026 That declaration ultimately ended up encapsulating the vibe of a good portion of my 2025 music leanings, along with the addition of my penchant for good-old-fashioned soppy crooners, all of which contain a through line of really solid storytelling. Rolling Stone, 29 Dec. 2025 Given the state’s Republican leanings, whoever wins the GOP primary for Lummis’s seat is all but certainly poised to win the general election next year. Caroline Vakil, The Hill, 23 Dec. 2025 Australian authorities say the suspects in the Bondi Beach shooting filmed a video manifesto that was littered with antisemitism and Islamic State leanings. Anders Hagstrom, FOXNews.com, 22 Dec. 2025 See All Example Sentences for leaning

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of leaning was in the 15th century

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Cite this Entry

“Leaning.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/leaning. Accessed 8 Jan. 2026.

Kids Definition

leaning

noun
lean·​ing
ˈlē-niŋ

More from Merriam-Webster on leaning

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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