leaning

noun

lean·​ing ˈlē-niŋ 

: a definite but not decisive attraction or tendency

—often used in plural

radical leanings

Synonyms

• current
• direction
• drift
• run
• tendency
• tide
• trend
• wind

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

Though the new pope spent decades of his adult life working in Peru, his Chicago roots led to speculation and jokes on social media about his sports leanings. —Andrew Greif, NBC news, 8 May 2025

Given Illinois’s Democratic leanings, however, whoever wins the party’s primary contest for Durbin’s seat next year is expected to be the heavy favorite to win in the general election. —Caroline Vakil, The Hill, 28 Apr. 2025

Many remain strong, if susceptible to criticism over their costs and political leanings. —Alan Blinder, New York Times, 25 Mar. 2025

The toxic combination of Trump’s pro-Russia leanings, Vice President J. D. Vance’s arrogance and condescension, and Musk’s sad case of advanced poster’s disease have tanked America’s reputation among its traditional allies. —Helen Lewis, The Atlantic, 16 Mar. 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