leaning

noun

lean·​ing ˈlē-niŋ 

: a definite but not decisive attraction or tendency

—often used in plural

radical leanings

Synonyms of leaning

• 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

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

Importantly, these moderating effects persisted even when bots were given information about users’ political leanings, suggesting the influence is not just a result of tailoring responses to users. —Jeremy Kahn, Fortune, 31 Mar. 2026

Espina is also open about his personal political leanings—and his personal ambitions. —Graciela Mochkofsky, New Yorker, 30 Mar. 2026

Two Republicans currently lead the governor's race in recent polls, despite the state's liberal leanings, as a large number of Democrats led by Swalwell split the vote. —Perry Stein The Washington Post, Arkansas Online, 29 Mar. 2026

The London-via-Paris jazz artist embraces her neo-soul leanings and experimental impulses on an EP that explores the pleasures and perils of gassing yourself up. —Lily Goldberg, Pitchfork, 19 Mar. 2026

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