leaning

noun

lean·​ing ˈlē-niŋ How to pronounce leaning (audio)
: a definite but not decisive attraction or tendency
often used in plural
radical leanings
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 That polarization has led people to shift their support for the court based on their perceptions of the court’s partisan leanings. Jessica A. Schoenherr, The Conversation, 6 Feb. 2024 Because of the lack of movement, state and local legislators have taken matters into their own hands, leading to wages that wildly differ across regions based on cost of living and political leanings. Sasha Rogelberg, Fortune, 25 Feb. 2024 The vehicle’s performance leanings are further emphasized by the optional $4,000 AMG Dynamic Plus Package. James Raia, The Mercury News, 18 Feb. 2024 The film’s anti-authoritarian leanings may also have fed into the temporary ban. Patrick Frater, Variety, 10 Jan. 2024 Wrinkles develop in our trust of professions depending on a respondent’s college education and political leaning. Chloe Berger, Fortune, 5 Feb. 2024 The tenderness in this treatment is what lingers longer than any of the script’s Borscht Belt leanings. Chris Willman, Variety, 25 Jan. 2024 The cases presented were based on research by respected scholars of various political leanings, but heavily weighted toward the very conservative end of the legal reasoning spectrum. Edward Lotterman, Twin Cities, 18 Jan. 2024 The government disputed the figures and denied that arrests were made due to political leanings, saying the numbers of those arrested were between 2,000-3,000. TIME, 8 Jan. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'leaning.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of leaning was in the 15th century

Dictionary Entries Near leaning

Cite this Entry

“Leaning.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/leaning. Accessed 19 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

leaning

noun
lean·​ing
ˈlē-niŋ

More from Merriam-Webster on leaning

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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