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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Tight ends fiercely preserve their own history and the nuances of their position, preferring peer-to-peer coaching to more traditional coach/player dynamics.—
Jourdan Rodrigue,
New York Times,
25 Oct. 2025 -
Their anger boils down to preferring that shareholders follow the lead of boards of directors and other corporate managers rather than the analysis of independent third parties.—
Alex Harring,
CNBC,
24 Oct. 2025
Verb
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Before long, strangers are watching, liking, and commenting on a moment that was meant to be private.—
Eli Thompson,
Rolling Stone,
25 Oct. 2025
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The Saints’ other wideout of interest, Chris Olave, would likely cost too high a draft pick for the Patriots’ liking.—
Andrew Callahan,
Boston Herald,
17 Oct. 2025
Verb
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Poway voters are favoring the recall of City Councilmember Tony Blain in early returns Tuesday night.—
Elizabeth Marie Himchak,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
5 Nov. 2025
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California redistricting Proposition 50 would replace California's current congressional lines with a map favoring Democrats.—
NPR Staff,
NPR,
4 Nov. 2025
Verb
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Austin Reaves is enjoying the best stretch of his NBA career, and Redick has seen contributions from a variety of players night after night.—
Cole Sullivan,
MSNBC Newsweek,
5 Nov. 2025
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Lomax not only wrote the song but also stars in the commercial, which portrays him enjoying the Biggie Bag combo meal, a scene that turns into a lively celebration of music and food.—
Kansas City Star,
Kansas City Star,
5 Nov. 2025
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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 7 Nov. 2025.
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