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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Meanwhile, as Mercury slips into harmony-seeking Libra on Sept 18, conversations embrace a more light-hearted tone, preferring balance and diplomacy.—
Valerie Mesa,
People.com,
1 Sep. 2025 -
Lavender This Mediterranean herb has different soil requirements than cilantro, preferring dry, sandy soil that’s not rich in nutrients.—
Karen Brewer Grossman,
Southern Living,
31 Aug. 2025
Verb
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While there is nothing inherently cringe-worthy about enjoying Didion’s Slouching Towards Bethlehem or genuinely liking Clairo’s album, its pretense becomes more marked through the fun-house mirror of Instagram and TikTok.—
Brett F. Braley-Palko,
Forbes.com,
25 Aug. 2025
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In April, Giannulli seemed to hint that the pair was still going strong, after liking a post from the actor's sister Isabella Elordi about his latest project, The Narrow Road to the Deep North, on Instagram, per E!—
Tabitha Parent,
People.com,
25 Aug. 2025
Verb
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More Photo by Jayce Illman/Getty Images With only one year left on his deal with Racing Bulls, and the Red Bull higher-ups not favoring him for a senior team race seat, Tsunoda looked to be in a driver's purgatory, seemingly on the shop window for another team.—
Nelson Espinal,
MSNBC Newsweek,
30 Aug. 2025
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Film festivals, however, are not immune to making errors perceived as favoring one particular perspective regarding the Israeli-Palestinian issue.—
David Zimmermann,
The Washington Examiner,
30 Aug. 2025
Verb
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These staples are made for traveling light, mixing and matching, and actually enjoying your fall plans without stressing over what to wear.—
Rosie Marder,
Travel + Leisure,
3 Sep. 2025
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Season three finds former British spy Sylvia Fox, played by Silent Witness star Emilia Fox, mentally and physically recovered from her abduction at the end Season 2 and back to enjoying her life in Italy.—
Peter White,
Deadline,
3 Sep. 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 6 Sep. 2025.
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