LEANING (TOWARD OR TOWARDS) Synonyms: 57 Similar and Opposite Words

leaning (toward or towards)

verb

Definition of leaning (toward or towards)

present participle of lean (toward or towards)

as in preferring

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 leaning (toward or towards)

Verb

Aldi’s Benton’s Original Chocolate Sandwich Creme Cookies have become a frequent Oreo comparison, and a Simply Recipes blind taste test found noticeable differences between the two, with the reviewer ultimately preferring Oreos.

— Ashley Lynch, Sacbee.com, 23 Oct. 2026
Operating within the confines of her old-school loom, Contro tends toward plain weaves and twills, preferring the look, feel, and drape of those simple structures.

— Hannah Martin, Architectural Digest, 21 Oct. 2026

Definition of preferring

Verb

There’s a difference between liking a certain look and actually identifying with it.

— Bianca Kratky, Glamour, 27 Oct. 2026
There were penalties that hampered a couple drives and a few too many explosive plays surrendered on defense for a second consecutive week for Cristobal’s liking.

— Jordan McPherson, Miami Herald, 25 Oct. 2026

Definition of liking

Verb

Despite the recent trend favoring Republicans among previously undecided voters in the survey, all seven Democratic candidates are still viewed more favorably by independents.

— Carter Schroppe, The Washington Examiner, 2 Nov. 2026
But since the finale was released, the conversation among fans and players online has pointed to a number of discrepancies in the way each team played and questions of production favoring the Orange team and its roster of veteran players.

— Breanne L. Heldman, PEOPLE, 1 Nov. 2026

Definition of favoring

Verb

An expensive dance Ryan Mahan sits in a courtyard outside the pavilion, enjoying a break after running his mouth for an hour straight.

— Dana O’Neil, CNN Money, 30 Oct. 2026
This family faithfully served their country while living at the highest echelons of their society and enjoying the best creature comforts.

— Jieun Baek, Foreign Affairs, 30 Oct. 2026

Definition of enjoying

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

leanings

leaning (toward or towards)

leanness

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“Leaning (toward or towards).” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/leaning%20%28toward%20or%20towards%29. Accessed 2 Nov. 2026.

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Synonyms of leaning (toward or towards)

verb

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