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

The academy's strong international leanings should help Skarsgård. —ABC News, 3 Mar. 2026

Reminiscent of Kevin Young’s Ardency in its deft archival roots, music, and formal leanings, Printer’s Fist reminds what historical documentary poetry can still do, particularly when history is being erased everywhere from National Parks to liberal arts curriculums. —Literary Hub, 2 Mar. 2026

Their political leanings aligned, both on the left. —Gerald Witt, AJC.com, 1 Mar. 2026

Every corporate decision is now scrutinized under a public lens, as customers, the government, and the general public debate and dissect the political leanings of a leader or firm. —Emily Lang, Harvard Business Review, 26 Feb. 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