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

Unlike his predecessors, Trump emphasizes unilateral economic gains, evident in his leaning to lift AI export curbs for the UAE and decoupling Saudi-Israel normalization from nuclear cooperation. —Guney Yildiz, Forbes.com, 13 May 2025

Outlets of all political leanings, from CNN to Newsmax, backed the WHCA's ongoing effort to fully restore the AP's White House access. —Kyler Alvord, People.com, 23 Apr. 2025

Johnson said seniors’ anxiety about the economy may depend on their political leanings, financial picture, housing situation, and whether they are newly retired. —Cindy Krischer Goodman, Sun Sentinel, 11 Apr. 2025

Watch and listen as Horwath gives away his political leanings throughout the documentary’s three-hour running time. —Armond White, National Review, 4 Apr. 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