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

One, which is how those of a religious leaning might see it, is as a miraculous, divine event, the archangel Gabriel shining the way towards the baby Jesus. —Keith Cooper, Space.com, 16 Dec. 2025

Each has its own unique political history and with that its own ideological leanings. —Averi Harper, ABC News, 10 Dec. 2025

The makeup of Her’s transition team — drawn from a mix of campaign staff, former state Capitol workers and recent city and county employees — may still offer some clues as to her leanings. —Frederick Melo, Twin Cities, 7 Dec. 2025

In 2022, photos of Sweeney at a family birthday party where guests wearing MAGA-style caps went viral, raising eyebrows and soliciting questions about her own political leanings. —Leah Dolan, CNN Money, 5 Dec. 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