lean 1 of 3

Definition of leannext
1
as in to tilt
to set or cause to be at an angle just lean the ladder against the tree and climb up it

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2
as in to tend
to show a liking or proneness (for something) the family's diet leans toward greasy food

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3
as in to rely
to place reliance or trust you can always lean on me if you need help

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lean

2 of 3

adjective

lean

3 of 3

noun

as in slope
the degree to which something rises up from a position level with the horizon the wall has enough of a lean that we can't set a bookcase against it

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Synonym Chooser

How does the adjective lean contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of lean are gaunt, lanky, lank, rawboned, scrawny, skinny, and spare. While all these words mean "thin because of an absence of excess flesh," lean stresses lack of fat and of curving contours.

a lean racehorse

When is gaunt a more appropriate choice than lean?

The words gaunt and lean can be used in similar contexts, but gaunt implies marked thinness or emaciation as from overwork or suffering.

a prisoner's gaunt face

When is it sensible to use lank instead of lean?

The words lank and lean are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, lank implies tallness as well as leanness.

the lank legs of the heron

When would lanky be a good substitute for lean?

The synonyms lanky and lean are sometimes interchangeable, but lanky suggests awkwardness and loose-jointedness as well as thinness.

a lanky youth, all arms and legs

In what contexts can rawboned take the place of lean?

The meanings of rawboned and lean largely overlap; however, rawboned suggests a large ungainly build without implying undernourishment.

a rawboned farmer

How do scrawny and skinny relate to one another, in the sense of lean?

Both scrawny and skinny imply an extreme leanness that suggests deficient strength and vitality.

a scrawny chicken
skinny street urchins

When could spare be used to replace lean?

While the synonyms spare and lean are close in meaning, spare suggests leanness from abstemious living or constant exercise.

the gymnast's spare figure

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 lean
Verb
Punchy pickles introduce a pep and balance to crunchy coleslaw, which can often lean creamy and sweet. Inés Anguiano, Bon Appetit Magazine, 1 July 2026 Mix High and Low Working within the family’s somewhat limited budget, Wood leaned heavily on affordable materials, with a few splurges thrown in. Rory Evans, Better Homes & Gardens, 1 July 2026
Adjective
Key Takeaways Creatine may help support muscle strength, lean mass, and physical performance, especially when combined with resistance training. Morgan Pearson, Verywell Health, 28 June 2026 Healthcare providers increasingly recommend higher protein intake to preserve lean muscle mass during weight loss, and whey protein is often the preferred option due to its amino acid profile and digestibility. Krysta Escobar, CNBC, 28 June 2026
Noun
The scoop-neck cut leans into the minimalist 90s aesthetic and allows this piece to double as a bodysuit when worn under linen pants or silk shorts. Cassie Gill, Travel + Leisure, 1 June 2026 Designed by London studio Interiors With Art, the aesthetic leans into understated Art Deco touches; sycamore wood panelling, Murano glass lighting, brushed gold accents, and a palette inspired by nearby Hyde Park in autumn. Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 27 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for lean
Recent Examples of Synonyms for lean
Verb
  • Rey exploded on Ethan with 10-count punches, but a tilt-a-whirl was countered by Page with a sitout faceplant.
    Alfred Konuwa, Forbes.com, 30 June 2026
  • In Egypt, certain pharaohs seemed, for reasons still debated, to tilt their own representations from the ideal to the natural.
    Cal Revely-Calder, New Yorker, 29 June 2026
Verb
  • But good things tend to happen for the Phillies when Schwarber shines — and the second half isn’t even here yet.
    Charlotte Varnes, New York Times, 29 June 2026
  • The sandwich generation can tend to an aging or ailing parent without skipping work.
    Jessica Guynn, USA Today, 29 June 2026
Verb
  • Rodríguez denied those claims, saying some remote areas were difficult to reach because roads were blocked by landslides and debris, forcing authorities to rely on motorcycles, drones and satellite imagery.
    Antonio María Delgado, Miami Herald, 3 July 2026
  • Unlike conventional ion traps that rely on oscillating radio-frequency fields, the Penning trap uses static electric and magnetic fields.
    Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 3 July 2026
Adjective
  • Instead of sticking to styles that squeeze your legs in a skinny-jean kind of way, opt for looser, baggier silhouettes like these from Levi’s.
    Alyssa Grabinski, PEOPLE, 28 June 2026
  • Already existing as a divisive pick, skinny jeans are taking a back seat this summer.
    Amanda Le, InStyle, 28 June 2026
Noun
  • That should help make light work of steep uphill slopes and uneven road surfaces.
    New Atlas, New Atlas, 27 June 2026
  • Working with the slope Bilyk said the outdoor areas were designed as usable rooms, not leftover edges.
    David Caraccio, Sacbee.com, 27 June 2026
Verb
  • The fluffy brush made with vegan bristles is angled for flawless foundation application.
    Tessa Petak, InStyle, 27 June 2026
  • The groups also added onto the old building with a three-story, angled atrium to provide greater visibility for the Aspire Center from the intersection of Madison and Central.
    Bob Goldsborough, Chicago Tribune, 25 June 2026
Verb
  • From there, the workup depends on what a doctor finds.
    Dr. Jamin Brahmbhatt, CNN Money, 25 June 2026
  • In some states, Powerball tickets can be bought online depending on local jurisdiction.
    Fernando Cervantes Jr, USA Today, 25 June 2026
Adjective
  • The water pressure then causes the vehicle to rise and slide on a thin layer of water between the tires and the road, making the driver lose control.
    NC Weather Bot, Charlotte Observer, 23 June 2026
  • Tree was recognizable for his bright fashion, mullet haircut with prominent bangs, thin mustache and encouraging outlook.
    Dennis Romero, NBC news, 22 June 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Lean.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/lean. Accessed 4 Jul. 2026.

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