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

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Example Sentences

Recent Examples of Synonyms for leaning (toward or towards)

Verb

What’s more, many older adult don’t generally think of counseling as an option in the first place, research suggests – instead preferring informal sources of help over professional mental health services.

— Lee Ann Rawlins Williams, The Conversation, 14 Sep. 2026
The first part of the process happens in a fight camp, with Rickards preferring to start work between eight and 12 weeks from a bout.

— Sarah Shephard, New York Times, 10 Sep. 2026

Definition of preferring

Verb

For now, however, what the numbers actually show is a world adjusting to the new reality of great-power competition, feeling forced to choose one side without the luxury of liking it.

— Adam Y. Liu, Foreign Affairs, 2 Sep. 2026
Germany has a different reason for liking the early dismissal.

— Dillon Thomas, CBS News, 25 Aug. 2026

Definition of liking

Verb

Hospitals fought back, and Congress rejected the proposal, instead favoring a voluntary approach desired by the industry.

— Stephanie Armour, Miami Herald, 4 Sep. 2026
Hong, favoring a backward-facing view of the mayhem, shoots in lengthy takes that swerve and snake with rough-and-tumble precision; the energies of car and camera seem to fuse into one.

— Justin Chang, New Yorker, 4 Sep. 2026

Definition of favoring

Verb

Dennis did manage to recall enjoying chef LaQueanya Henry of Sugar Coated Cupcakes’s fig honey-vanilla cheesecake, layered with almond shortbread crumble, Black Mission fig compote, honey mascarpone and pistachio praline crunch.

— Sean Timberlake, Sacbee.com, 11 Sep. 2026
These chicken thighs take very well to batch-cooking at the start of the week and enjoying in the ensuing days.

— Hana Asbrink, Bon Appetit Magazine, 11 Sep. 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 16 Sep. 2026.

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Synonyms of leaning (toward or towards)

verb

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