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.
The trio has completely reimagined what a jukebox musical and a movie adaptation can be, taking the blueprint of what Broadway has been leaning on for decades now and flipping it, joyfully, on its head. Dave Quinn, PEOPLE, 13 Apr. 2026 Throughout the interview, Beddoes leaned on facts, challenging Carlson’s narrative. Jennifer Lutz, New York Daily News, 11 Apr. 2026 That muscle memory — if only reversed — and Tatis’ natural athletic ability are what the Padres are leaning on in moving their right fielder into the infield to get Bogaerts off his feet, at least while Sung-Mun Song (oblique) continues his rehab at Triple-A El Paso. Jeff Sanders, San Diego Union-Tribune, 11 Apr. 2026 Patients may be able to use the injections to actually lose weight, and then lean on the tablets to keep it off. Nicholas Florko, The Atlantic, 11 Apr. 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 Apr. 2026.

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