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
  • 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
  • Extreme heat has forced several communities in the Washington area to cancel or scale back their Independence Day celebrations.
    — Kyla Guilfoil, NBC news, 5 July 2026
  • The Kings forced 20 turnovers, leading to a 22-6 advantage in points off turnovers.
    — Jason Anderson, Sacbee.com, 5 July 2026
Definition of force
Verb
  • Vance also appears willing to muscle Israel into accepting whatever outcome the Iran talks deliver.
    — Vivian Salama, The Atlantic, 27 June 2026
  • For now, however, investors are likely breathing a collective sigh of relief, after muscling through an anxious first half that included major geopolitical conflicts, and tremors around the potential for AI disruption.
    — Sarah Min, CNBC, 26 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
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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 9 Jul. 2026.

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