leaning

1 of 2

noun

lean·​ing ˈlē-niŋ 

: a definite but not decisive attraction or tendency

—often plural

radical leanings

leaning

2 of 2

present participle of lean entry 1, lean entry 4

Synonyms of leaning

Noun

• 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

Noun

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

Noun

Hilton’s promises on gasoline, taxes and energy costs have yet to overcome California’s Democratic leanings. — Los Angeles Times, 24 Sep. 2026

Just look at Lily-Rose Depp and Charli XCX, who both incorporated the decade’s maximalist leanings into their wardrobes in authentic ways. — Hannah Jackson, Vogue, 17 Sep. 2026

Perhaps not surprisingly in a highly politicized environment, views on press freedom differed sharply according to political leaning. — ABC News, 15 Sep. 2026

States’ classroom lessons don’t always map neatly with their political leanings. — Jennifer Peltz, Fortune, 8 Sep. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

Noun

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