Definition of LEANING

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

On one side is Bezos, owner of the liberal-leaning, Trump-investigating Washington Post. — Ben Widdicombe, Town & Country, "What Does Gavin de Becker Actually Do for Jeff Bezos?," 8 Feb. 2019 Given the state’s historically conservative leanings (Cook Political Report rates the governor’s race as solid Republican), the position is ultimately expected to stay red. — Li Zhou, Vox, "Oklahoma primary election 2018 live results: governor and medical marijuana ballot measure," 26 June 2018 The proposal being circulated in the petitions by the good-government groups would establish a series of criteria aimed at keeping the districts local and in-balance with the state's political leanings, based on past election results. — Rich Exner, cleveland.com, "Find Cuyahoga County home sales, other property transfers for January," 5 Feb. 2018 What’s important is how people with different political leanings hold the accused among their ranks accountable. — Tanya Selvaratnam, Glamour, "Why Candice Russell Had No Choice But Take Her Case to the Media," 2 Apr. 2019 Sayoc displayed no political leanings at the time of the bombing charge, Lowy said, except for plastering his vehicle with Native American emblems. — Michael Biesecker, The Seattle Times, "Bomb suspect: Ex-stripper with cash problems, Trump devotion," 27 Oct. 2018 While this may feel like as no huge deal, Swift's political leanings have continually been called into question. — Amanda Mitchell, Marie Claire, "Taylor Swift Endorses Phil Bredesen and Jim Cooper, Two Democrats in Tennessee," 8 Oct. 2018 Two ovens that are separate from the cooktop are raised to prevent leaning over. — Brenda Richardson, The Seattle Times, "Design for living: Modifications can remove the obstacles to aging in place," 3 Sep. 2018 See the full ranking below, then head over to princetonreview.com for additional rankings on all aspects of college life from the political leanings of a student body to which school has the best health services in the country. 1. — Caroline Hallemann, Town & Country, "Rice University Students Named the Happiest in the Country," 6 Sep. 2016

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'leaning.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.