lean (on or against)

verb

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

Related Words

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Example Sentences

Recent Examples of Synonyms for lean (on or against)
  1. compel
  2. force
  3. muscle
Verb
  • There are numerous forces, therefore, that should compel FIFA to rein in its shameless pursuit of ticketing revenue — including the simple fact that there is less wealth in Spain, Portugal and Morocco than there is in North America.
    — Henry Bushnell, New York Times, 21 July 2026
  • Other policy priorities include new legislation that would compel YouTube and TikTok to promote public service content from the BBC and other broadcasters.
    — Jake Kanter, Deadline, 21 July 2026
Definition of compel
Verb
  • In the Netherlands and neighboring Germany cargo ships that ply the Rhine and its offshoots have been forced to carry significantly less freight or risk running aground in shallow navigation channels.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 2 Aug. 2026
  • The fire has also forced evacuations at Spokane’s veterans’ hospital, water reclamation facility and waste-to-energy plant, city officials said.
    — Martin Goillandeau, CNN Money, 2 Aug. 2026
Definition of force
Verb
  • Bleday should muscle up and match his career-high 20 home runs in a season with a homer tonight.
    — Josh Shepardson, Forbes.com, 1 Aug. 2026
  • Flynn eventually received a diagnosis of viral myocarditis — inflammation of the heart muscle the myocardium that can reduce the organ’s ability to pump blood, according to the Mayo Clinic.
    — Nicholas Rice, PEOPLE, 26 July 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
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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 4 Aug. 2026.

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