Example Sentences
Recent Examples of Synonyms for lean (on or against)
Verb
-
It will be encumbered neither by norms nor the exigencies that compel speech in a democratic society.—
Casey Ryan Kelly,
The Conversation,
9 Mar. 2026 -
Because when the court declared those tariffs unlawful, the legal injury fell first on the entities that were compelled to pay them.—
Sara Albrecht,
Chicago Tribune,
9 Mar. 2026
Verb
-
Chicago Blackhawks center Connor Bedard (98) celebrates with defenseman Sam Rinzel (6) and center Ryan Donato (8) after scoring a goal to force overtime late in the third period of an NHL hockey game against the Dallas Stars at the American Airlines Center on Sunday, March 8, 2026, in Dallas.—
Dallas Morning News,
Dallas Morning News,
9 Mar. 2026
-
Jaxson Hayes and Marcus Smart helped spearhead a strong defensive effort that held New York to less than 100 points and forced eight key turnovers late in the game.—
Los Angeles Times,
Los Angeles Times,
9 Mar. 2026
Verb
-
Both teams were hot then, and the game was competitive down into the final minutes in Gainesville, with Florida muscling it out.—
Noah White,
Miami Herald,
7 Mar. 2026
-
Giddey subbed back in and muscled his way through 5 minutes, 28 seconds of play.—
Julia Poe,
Chicago Tribune,
5 Mar. 2026
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.
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 14 Mar. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
