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
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Last season’s Celtics forced the fourth-fewest turnovers and ranked 24th in opponent turnover rate, preferring to defend conservatively and limit free-throw attempts.—
Zack Cox,
Boston Herald,
7 Nov. 2025 -
The overtures backfired, with Sheridan preferring a less corporate approach.—
Tatiana Siegel,
Variety,
4 Nov. 2025
Verb
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Khattar recalled first liking science in sixth grade when her grandmother, who had been a science teacher in India, showed her the diagram of a heart.—
Elizabeth Marie Himchak,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
4 Nov. 2025
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Sixteen squirrels from 16 state parks competed for the title of Fat Squirrel Week Champ, with fans casting votes by liking and commenting on photos posted to each park’s Facebook page.—
Moná Thomas,
PEOPLE,
27 Oct. 2025
Verb
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The team’s new polymer layer resists mixing with electrolyte solvents, instead favoring decomposition of salt anions.—
Chris Young,
Interesting Engineering,
6 Jan. 2026
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Sleek rooms and suites are thoughtfully designed for efficiency and comfort, favoring clean lines and crisp linens.—
Lauren Dana Ellman,
Travel + Leisure,
5 Jan. 2026
Verb
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He’s been spotted in the Bay Area, living his life, presumably enjoying the microclimates and the ability to put the pedal to the metal on Tasman Drive.—
Dieter Kurtenbach,
Mercury News,
8 Jan. 2026
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Guests then dined at the base of the pyramids before enjoying an afterparty and dessert in another area.—
Ashlyn Robinette,
PEOPLE,
8 Jan. 2026
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Cite this Entry
“Leaning (toward or towards).” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/leaning%20%28toward%20or%20towards%29. Accessed 11 Jan. 2026.
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