lean (on or against)

verb

Definition of lean (on or against)next
as in to bear (down)

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Example Sentences

Recent Examples of Synonyms for lean (on or against)
  1. compel
  2. force
  3. muscle
Verb
  • In response, Cambodia invoked a rare UN Law of the Sea mechanism to compel negotiations.
    — Ken Silverstein, Forbes.com, 7 July 2026
  • Put another way, sports would be unwatchable mayhem and impossible to administer if every bad call compelled attacks on the integrity of the games and interference from political grandstanders.
    — Vahe Gregorian July 7, Kansas City Star, 7 July 2026
Definition of compel
Verb
  • None of that history mattered though when Nick Moon put Boise on the scoreboard in the seventh minute and forced club staff to scramble for a new corner flag.
    — Idaho Statesman, Idaho Statesman, 12 July 2026
  • Crew members of a container vessel reported damaged near the Strait of Hormuz were forced to abandon ship, the UK Maritime Trade Operations Center said in a separate statement.
    — CNN Money, CNN Money, 12 July 2026
Definition of force
Verb
  • The streaks abruptly ended when De Ketelaere muscled past Cubarsí and headed home a cross from Timothy Castagne for Belgium’s tying goal.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 10 July 2026
  • Vance also appears willing to muscle Israel into accepting whatever outcome the Iran talks deliver.
    — Vivian Salama, The Atlantic, 27 June 2026
Definition of muscle
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.

Browse Nearby Words

leanness
lean (on or against)
leans
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Lean (on or against).” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/lean%20%28on%20or%20against%29. Accessed 15 Jul. 2026.

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