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

Her 15 months in the role were marked by friction with Trump sparked by her more libertarian leanings — her past opposition to war with Iran, for one, made for particularly awkward Hill testimony soon after the president entered the current conflict. —Shelby Talcott, semafor.com, 22 May 2026

With ideological division in the Republican Party over social issues and approaches to government spending, the type of bills the Idaho Legislature passes can change dramatically based on the leanings of the Republicans who get elected. —Sarah Cutler, Idaho Statesman, 20 May 2026

She surely was also exposed to Madame Charlotte Mentelle’s feminist beliefs and abolitionist leanings. —Thomas Mallon, New Yorker, 18 May 2026

Obviously, political pressure and Hollywood's ideological leanings could lead to a total rethink of the character to take it further away from what book author Ian Fleming intended. —Ian Miller Outkick, FOXNews.com, 18 May 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