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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European cinema owners have publicly backed the Paramount-WBD tie-up, preferring it to the alternative scenario of a Warner takeover by Netflix.—
Scott Roxborough,
HollywoodReporter,
2 Mar. 2026 -
Anchored by a veteran duo Hardaway and Brown have been the glue of that unit — a backcourt duo that Adelman has intentionally kept out of the starting lineup, preferring to pair them off the bench even when injuries created openings.—
Bennett Durando,
Denver Post,
2 Mar. 2026
Verb
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The textile strap can be adjusted to your exact liking on each foot, since the fabric is completely permeable.—
Anna Popp,
Travel + Leisure,
3 Mar. 2026
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Minaj’s Saturday post had significant reach on the X platform, with 14,000-plus comments and more than 117,000 users liking it as of Monday afternoon.—
Kevin Dolak,
HollywoodReporter,
23 Feb. 2026
Verb
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Evolution operates at the level of populations over generations, favoring traits that increase average reproductive success, even if those traits sometimes harm individuals.—
Lilia Goncharova,
The Conversation,
9 Mar. 2026
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This is not about favoring corporations over consumers.—
Sara Albrecht,
Chicago Tribune,
9 Mar. 2026
Verb
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A day later, both sides were outside during breaks enjoying an unseasonably warm mid-March day in Manhattan.—
Doug Feinberg,
Los Angeles Times,
12 Mar. 2026
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The neighborhood/area Grab coffee at Café Lyria in Noho, take a cycling class at AARMY, stop by Baya Bar for a smoothie, spot your favorite TikToker while enjoying a plate of fries at Fanelli Café in Soho, then see the sunset in Washington Square Park, where people watching is a favorite pastime.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
11 Mar. 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 13 Mar. 2026.
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