leaning

noun

lean·​ing ˈlē-niŋ 

: a definite but not decisive attraction or tendency

—often used in plural

radical leanings

Synonyms

• 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

The winner of this fall’s gubernatorial contest in Virginia will signal whether Republicans can still maintain a grip on statewide politics or if the Old Dominion State will revert to its blue leanings. —Rachel Schilke, The Washington Examiner, 7 Sep. 2025

One area that is unlikely to see any reform is Thailand’s controversial royal defamation law, given Anutin’s royalist leanings. —Chad De Guzman, Time, 5 Sep. 2025

The alliance could be an uneasy one given Anutin’s strong royalist leanings. —Helen Regan, CNN Money, 5 Sep. 2025

Recent polling of the Virginia and New Jersey gubernatorial races signals red flags for Republicans, who are hoping to eke out victories in November despite both states' Democratic leanings. —Andrew Stanton, MSNBC Newsweek, 3 Sep. 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