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
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
Recent Examples of Synonyms for leaning (toward or towards)
Verb
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The Chinese authorities reportedly turned down the idea, preferring instead to deal with European leaders one by one, and Macron agreed to come without his EU counterpart.—
Simon Shuster,
The Atlantic,
18 Feb. 2026 -
Both Waller and Miran voted against the January decision, preferring instead another quarter-point cut.—
Jeff Cox,
CNBC,
18 Feb. 2026
Verb
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So maybe there’s another surprise at quarterback somewhere across the landscape over the next few months, and maybe teams will end up liking the passing prospects in the 2026 draft more than early projections suggest.—
Zac Jackson,
New York Times,
17 Feb. 2026
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Wanting versus liking The first interesting wrinkle that needs to be considered is the fact that dopamine does not directly cause the sensation of pleasure.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
13 Feb. 2026
Verb
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Now favoring Republicans, the District 32 GOP primary has drawn nine candidates.—
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
14 Feb. 2026
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The market is currently favoring two to three reductions in borrowing costs in 2026.—
Morgan Chittum,
CNBC,
14 Feb. 2026
Verb
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As if three promotions in as many years weren’t enough for Wrexham, the north Wales club co-owned by Hollywood stars Rob Mac and Ryan Reynolds are enjoying another memorable campaign.—
Graham Ruthven,
New York Times,
18 Feb. 2026
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Ferreira dispensed with the usual pablum, about not focusing on results, taking it one day at a time, enjoying the journey and what have you.—
Sean Gregory,
Time,
18 Feb. 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 22 Feb. 2026.
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