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.
Loewe gave the plastic-material story a playful 2026 update without leaning on ’90s nostalgia. Maggie Clancy, Footwear News, 12 May 2026 Smyth Tribeca’s SleepMore at Smyth package leans on simple in-room upgrades rather than medical-style programming. Hanna Wickes, Miami Herald, 12 May 2026 Her plan is to stay largely offline, lean on her castmates and resist the pull of whatever discourse follows the premiere. Kennedy French, Variety, 12 May 2026 The Cox family is leaning on friends with a cottage on Lake Orion that's on well water. Veronica Ortega, CBS News, 12 May 2026 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 14 May. 2026.

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