lean on

verb

leaned on; leaning on; leans on

transitive verb

: to apply pressure to
They were leaning on the governor to pass the law.

Examples of lean on in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Still, some things are familiar, like the film’s action sequences, which love to lean on Kara’s ability to go very fast while everyone else seems very slow. Kate Erbland, IndieWire, 24 June 2026 Algorithms reward constant and fresh engagement, so marketers worry that leaning on AI makes their content sound robotic, a real risk when authenticity is what makes brands work on social media. Ashley Hass, The Conversation, 24 June 2026 When star winger Christian Pulisic opted to skip this tournament, the head coach leaned on a number of new faces to push the team to the final. Paul Tenorio, New York Times, 24 June 2026 Clinics lean on the absorption argument, that the IV route bypasses the gut, to justify both the format and the price. Allison Palmer updated June 24, Charlotte Observer, 24 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for lean on

Word History

First Known Use

circa 1960, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of lean on was circa 1960

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Cite this Entry

“Lean on.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/lean%20on. Accessed 25 Jun. 2026.

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