leaning

noun

lean·​ing ˈlē-niŋ 

: a definite but not decisive attraction or tendency

—often used in plural

radical leanings

Synonyms

• 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

O'Neill worries this law will be used as an excuse to layoff faculty and staff who have certain political leanings or say things the university doesn't like. —Cate Charron, IndyStar, 7 July 2025

Over the years, Crow hasn't been quiet about her political leanings. —Audrey Gibbs, The Tennessean, 2 July 2025

Regardless of your political leanings, there is a lot going on these days that can feel unsettling, uncertain or upsetting. —Jeanne Sahadi, CNN Money, 1 July 2025

Use of bots was comparable across political leanings. —Dominick Mastrangelo, The Hill, 17 June 2025

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