as in to like
to show partiality toward
I'm leaning toward sausage on our pizza tonight—we got pepperoni the last three times
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
Recent Examples of Synonyms for lean (toward or towards)
Verb
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Feltner likes the direction the Rockies are headed under a new front office and pitching staff as camp opens.—
Patrick Saunders,
Denver Post,
12 Feb. 2026 -
Minnesota goodbye College hockey coaches generally don’t like to see their players leave school early for the professional ranks.—
Jess Myers,
Twin Cities,
11 Feb. 2026
Verb
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Some begonias are annuals, others perennials so always read the care tags but all prefer full to partial shade.—
Mary Marlowe Leverette,
Southern Living,
17 Feb. 2026
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Radium Kagaya has private rooms for those who prefer not to be nude in front of strangers to rent in 90-minute increments, as well as public baths.—
Mae Hamilton,
Travel + Leisure,
17 Feb. 2026
Verb
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Three of the seven are Rollies, suggesting that the actor favors the Crown’s creations.—
Rachel Cormack,
Robb Report,
17 Feb. 2026
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Pothos is a popular houseplant favored for its glossy green or variegated leaves.—
Rae Ford,
Martha Stewart,
17 Feb. 2026
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Cite this Entry
“Lean (toward or towards).” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/lean%20%28toward%20or%20towards%29. Accessed 19 Feb. 2026.
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