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lean

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

verb

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Synonyms & Antonyms of lean

(Entry 1 of 3)

1 to set or cause to be at an angle

just lean the ladder against the tree and climb up it

Synonyms for lean

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bank

Near Antonyms for lean

2 to show a liking or proneness (for something)

the family's diet leans toward greasy food

Synonyms for lean

Words Related to lean

go,
gravitate

Near Antonyms for lean

3 to place reliance or trust

you can always lean on me if you need help

Synonyms for lean

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Phrases Synonymous with lean

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lean

adjective

Synonyms & Antonyms of lean (Entry 2 of 3)

having a noticeably small amount of body fat

all of the marathoners are extremely lean

Synonyms for lean

Words Related to lean

Near Antonyms for lean

flabby,
soft

Antonyms for lean

lean

noun

Synonyms & Antonyms of lean (Entry 3 of 3)

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

Synonyms for lean

Words Related to lean

Near Antonyms for lean

Frequently Asked Questions About lean

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.