leaning 1 of 3

as in oblique
running in a slanting direction the leaning tower of Pisa is a popular tourist attraction in Italy

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

leaning

2 of 3

noun

leaning

3 of 3

verb

present participle of lean

Synonym Chooser

How does the noun leaning contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of leaning are penchant, proclivity, and propensity. While all these words 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

When might penchant be a better fit than leaning?

In some situations, the words penchant and leaning are roughly equivalent. However, penchant implies a strongly marked taste in the person or an irresistible attraction in the object.

a penchant for taking risks

When is proclivity a more appropriate choice than leaning?

The words proclivity and leaning can be used in similar contexts, but proclivity suggests a strong natural proneness usually to something objectionable or evil.

a proclivity for violence

In what contexts can propensity take the place of leaning?

The meanings of propensity and leaning largely overlap; however, propensity implies a deeply ingrained and usually irresistible inclination.

a propensity to offer advice

Example Sentences

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.
Recent Examples of leaning
Noun
The experience galvanized his support for less advantaged people across society and informed his political leanings for the rest of his life. Jeff McDonald, San Diego Union-Tribune, 28 Apr. 2025 The engaging historical fiction balances a serious side and a strong sense of humor with its two different main characters: While Benedict has conservative leanings, Bergoglio is a liberal seeking church reform, and their debate tells a tale of human understanding and fallibility. Brian Truitt, USA Today, 22 Apr. 2025
Verb
Voila, the best of both worlds entails leaning into generative AI and LLMs as your negotiating tutor. Lance Eliot, Forbes.com, 13 Apr. 2025 Casually leaning back in a chair, surrounded by other retirees in Plantation, Marc Kaye, 78, expresses the same emotions as Wilde. Cindy Krischer Goodman, Sun Sentinel, 11 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for leaning
Recent Examples of Synonyms for leaning
Adjective
  • The Cubs left fielder attempted to go through a full day of pregame work, including hitting and throwing, but his left oblique strain didn’t feel quite right.
    Meghan Montemurro, Chicago Tribune, 15 May 2025
  • The Yankees are also hoping that Jazz Chisholm Jr. (oblique) will return soon from the injured list.
    Brendan Kuty, New York Times, 14 May 2025
Noun
  • While the 'legitimate interest' assessment is always a multi-factor test, all factors seem to point in the wrong direction for Meta.
    Ashley Belanger – May 14, ArsTechnica, 14 May 2025
  • Alonso’s system typically employed a back three, leaving the wing-backs large amounts to cover in both directions.
    James Pearce, New York Times, 14 May 2025
Noun
  • Recent climate modeling results suggest that changes in annual precipitation in Florida will likely be modest, within about 10% of current average, with a tendency for wetter conditions in the northern part of the state and lesser precipitation in the south.
    Bob Maliva, The Orlando Sentinel, 10 May 2025
  • Plus, no matter who's involved, humans have a natural tendency to pay close attention to danger and threats, especially if those threats have lurked without detection for so long.
    Charles Trepany, USA Today, 10 May 2025
Verb
  • The trailer for With Love, Meghan was released two weeks ahead of the show's premiere and features the Duchess performing a number of activities from tending to a beehive to arranging flowers at a shop and hosting a mix of friends and celebrity guests.
    Rebecca Aizin, People.com, 3 Jan. 2025
  • The trailer for With Love, Meghan was released two weeks ahead of the show's premiere and features the Duchess performing a number of activities from tending to a beehive to arranging flowers at a shop and hosting a mix of friends and celebrity guests.
    Rebecca Aizin, People.com, 3 Jan. 2025
Verb
  • Heightened by the absence of Klay Thompson’s floor-spacing, Curry has been facing kitchen-sink defenses and relying on role players to relieve the building pressure.
    Marcus Thompson II, The Athletic, 4 Jan. 2025
  • Use curiosity to guide problem-solving instead of relying on control.
    Dr. Diane Hamilton, Forbes, 4 Jan. 2025
Noun
  • His replacement, Anthony Banda, failed to stem a turning tide.
    Jack Harris, Los Angeles Times, 10 May 2025
  • But the tide is changing, and according to Sturdivant-Drew, the hue is right on trend with the natural aesthetics that have been popular recently.
    Jessica Fields, Essence, 8 May 2025
Noun
  • Australia’s giant kangaroos of yesteryear were likely homebodies — and that inclination ultimately did them in.
    Paul Smaglik, Discover Magazine, 23 Apr. 2025
  • Even if both premises are correct—that Putin has Hitlerian inclinations and wants to expand into eastern Europe—Western societies may struggle to mobilize the requisite political will and economic resources to contend with the threat.
    Foreign Affairs, Foreign Affairs, 22 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • In a world of evolving design trends, modular furniture is more than just a fleeting moment.
    Cori Sears, Better Homes & Gardens, 10 May 2025
  • The incident reportedly led to one student going to the hospital due to smoke inhalation and is suspected to be connected to the viral trend.
    Ashley Belanger – May 9, ArsTechnica, 9 May 2025

Cite this Entry

“Leaning.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/leaning. Accessed 20 May. 2025.

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