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leaning

Q: How does the noun 'leaning' contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of leaning are penchant , proclivity , and propensity . While all these words mean "a strong instinct or liking for something," leaning suggests a liking or attraction not strong enough to be decisive or uncontrollable. // a student with artistic leanings

Q: When might 'penchant' be a better fit than 'leaning'?

In some situations, the words penchant and leaning are roughly equivalent. However, penchant implies a strongly marked taste in the person or an irresistible attraction in the object. // a penchant for taking risks

Q: When is 'proclivity' a more appropriate choice than 'leaning'?

The words proclivity and leaning can be used in similar contexts, but proclivity suggests a strong natural proneness usually to something objectionable or evil. // a proclivity for violence

Q: In what contexts can 'propensity' take the place of 'leaning'?

The meanings of propensity and leaning largely overlap; however, propensity implies a deeply ingrained and usually irresistible inclination. // a propensity to offer advice

adjective

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Synonyms & Antonyms of leaning

(Entry 1 of 3)

running in a slanting direction

the leaning tower of Pisa is a popular tourist attraction in Italy

Synonyms for leaning

Near Antonyms for leaning

horizontal,
level

leaning

noun

Synonyms & Antonyms of leaning (Entry 2 of 3)

1 a prevailing or general movement or inclination

the news media are often accused of having liberal leanings

Synonyms for leaning

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2 a habitual attraction to some activity or thing

despite what his athletic leanings might suggest, he was actually a very lazy kid

Synonyms for leaning

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Near Antonyms for leaning

leaning

verb

present participle of lean

Synonyms & Antonyms of leaning (Entry 3 of 3)

1 to set or cause to be at an angle

just lean the ladder against the tree and climb up it

Synonyms for leaning

Words Related to leaning

banking

Near Antonyms for leaning

2 to show a liking or proneness (for something)

the family's diet leans toward greasy food

Synonyms for leaning

Words Related to leaning

going,
gravitating

Near Antonyms for leaning

3 to place reliance or trust

you can always lean on me if you need help

Synonyms for leaning

Words Related to leaning

Phrases Synonymous with leaning

Near Antonyms for leaning

Frequently Asked Questions About leaning

How does the noun leaning contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of leaning are penchant, proclivity, and propensity. While all these words mean "a strong instinct or liking for something," leaning suggests a liking or attraction not strong enough to be decisive or uncontrollable.

a student with artistic leanings

When might penchant be a better fit than leaning?

In some situations, the words penchant and leaning are roughly equivalent. However, penchant implies a strongly marked taste in the person or an irresistible attraction in the object.

a penchant for taking risks

When is proclivity a more appropriate choice than leaning?

The words proclivity and leaning can be used in similar contexts, but proclivity suggests a strong natural proneness usually to something objectionable or evil.

a proclivity for violence