LEAN (TOWARD OR TOWARDS) Synonyms: 55 Similar and Opposite Words

lean (toward or towards)

verb

Definition of lean (toward or towards)

as in to like

to show partiality toward I'm leaning toward sausage on our pizza tonight—we got pepperoni the last three times

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Example Sentences

Recent Examples of Synonyms for lean (toward or towards)

Verb

Across both the 2026 and 2025 studies, participants still liked the spicier versions of each food.

— Ryan Brennan, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 31 July 2026
Landscape painters liked the Connecticut River, and Nebel’s mentor, James Earle Fraser, designer of the Buffalo nickel and a lot of other Americana, had settled in Westport, building himself a custom studio.

— Adriane Quinlan, Curbed, 30 July 2026

Definition of like

Verb

Sources told Hoops Wire that James’s camp reached out to the Knicks during free agency, but New York wasn’t interested in pursuing him, preferring to keep the roster that had just won a championship intact.

— Catherina Gioino, Fortune, 27 July 2026
The Bears would prefer that Jones leave no doubt once the pads come on.

— Kevin Fishbain, New York Times, 27 July 2026

Definition of prefer

Verb

Fredericks says to pay close attention to the scalp, behind the ears, under the arms and waist, behind the knees and between the legs, as these are favored spots for ticks.

— Faith Wakefield, USA Today, 27 July 2026
With Stafford, 38, back for an 18th season, the Rams are favored to win the Super Bowl.

— Assistant Sports Editor, Los Angeles Times, 27 July 2026

Definition of favor

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

lean-tos

lean (toward or towards)

leap

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“Lean (toward or towards).” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/lean%20%28toward%20or%20towards%29. Accessed 3 Aug. 2026.

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Synonyms of lean (toward or towards)

verb

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