: a definite but not decisive attraction or tendency
—often used in plural
radical leanings
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
During that period of time, the majority of American journalists worked for newspapers with definite political leanings, and many newspapers were started by the parties themselves.
—
Encyclopedia Britannica, 26 May 2026
Bishop Eckman says this resurgence is not a political movement and the new Catholics are right-wing, left-wing and in the middle — driven by their heart rather than their political leanings.
—Andy Sheehan, CBS News, 26 May 2026
Her 15 months in the role were marked by friction with Trump sparked by her more libertarian leanings — her past opposition to war with Iran, for one, made for particularly awkward Hill testimony soon after the president entered the current conflict.
—Shelby Talcott, semafor.com, 22 May 2026
With ideological division in the Republican Party over social issues and approaches to government spending, the type of bills the Idaho Legislature passes can change dramatically based on the leanings of the Republicans who get elected.
—Sarah Cutler, Idaho Statesman, 20 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for leaning
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.
Encyclopedia Britannica, 26 May 2026
Bishop Eckman says this resurgence is not a political movement and the new Catholics are right-wing, left-wing and in the middle — driven by their heart rather than their political leanings.
—Andy Sheehan, CBS News, 26 May 2026
Her 15 months in the role were marked by friction with Trump sparked by her more libertarian leanings — her past opposition to war with Iran, for one, made for particularly awkward Hill testimony soon after the president entered the current conflict.
—Shelby Talcott, semafor.com, 22 May 2026
With ideological division in the Republican Party over social issues and approaches to government spending, the type of bills the Idaho Legislature passes can change dramatically based on the leanings of the Republicans who get elected.
—Sarah Cutler, Idaho Statesman, 20 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for leaning
Cite this Entry
“Leaning.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/leaning. Accessed 1 Jun. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
