LEANINGS Synonyms: 91 Similar and Opposite Words

leanings

noun

plural of leaning

as in tendencies

a prevailing or general movement or inclination the news media are often accused of having liberal leanings

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

as in inclinations

a habitual attraction to some activity or thing despite what his athletic leanings might suggest, he was actually a very lazy kid

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Example Sentences

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.

Recent Examples of leanings Just look at Lily-Rose Depp and Charli XCX, who both incorporated the decade’s maximalist leanings into their wardrobes in authentic ways. — Hannah Jackson, Vogue, 17 Sep. 2026 States’ classroom lessons don’t always map neatly with their political leanings. — Jennifer Peltz, Fortune, 8 Sep. 2026 Cabrera’s abstract leanings, which differed from nationalist motifs then popular with Mexican muralists, drew her closer to the Generación de la Ruptura movement of artists, beginning in the 1950s. — Devorah Lauter, ARTnews.com, 7 Sep. 2026 It was reinforced by Washington’s alliance with Pakistan and its engagement with China during the Cold War, India’s socialist leanings in the decades after its independence, in 1947, and New Delhi’s close relationship with the Soviet Union. — C. Raja Mohan, Foreign Affairs, 27 Aug. 2026 Hook's more partisan leanings are mostly limited to his social media posts. — Bill Goodykoontz, AZCentral.com, 24 Aug. 2026 But the political leanings of the district essentially make the results a foregone conclusion. — Anthony Man, Sun Sentinel, 22 Aug. 2026 No religious leanings necessary, this event is centered around inspirational music from professional singers. — Condé Nast Traveler, 21 Aug. 2026 Expect heavy 12 and 13 personnel — a natural fit with Sammis’ pro-style leanings. — Steven Johnson, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 19 Aug. 2026

Recent Examples of Synonyms for leanings

Noun

This film is about revenge, which is one of the more human tendencies to make a movie about.

— Matt Donnelly, Variety, 24 Sep. 2026
The real Bridget Sullivan did not appear to have any such tendencies.

— Elisabeth Garber-Paul, Rolling Stone, 23 Sep. 2026

Definition of tendencies

Noun

The trustees feared that if something happened to him, his heir apparent, Robert Kahn, would replace him, and it was known that Kahn had Zionistic inclinations.

— Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 22 Sep. 2026
Putin will eventually leave office, whether by death, illness, or—against all observable inclinations—stepping aside.

— Julian G. Waller, Foreign Affairs, 7 Aug. 2026

Definition of inclinations

Noun

Running September 25-27, the summit is now renowned for attracting top Hollywood and international execs who descend upon the swanky Dolder Grand Hotel for the weekend to discuss current industry trends, issues and financing models.

— Diana Lodderhose, Deadline, 25 Sep. 2026
At the Off-White Imaginary Palace event on Wednesday, Cardi B tapped into contemporary trends, styling sleek, pin-straight extensions and micro bangs.

— Kaleigh Werner, Footwear News, 25 Sep. 2026

Definition of trends

Noun

For this class, the premise is that your purpose in life lies to the intersection of your values, your aptitudes and your interests.

— Dana Taylor, USA Today, 6 May 2026
This model reflects Japan’s long-standing corporate culture, which prioritizes new hires for their general potential—their aptitudes and aspirations, as opposed to their current skill sets or university majors—and then trains them on the job.

— GRACIA LIU-FARRER, Foreign Affairs, 18 Nov. 2025

Definition of aptitudes

Noun

College football has gone national, abandoning regional affinities and local rivalries.

— Ian Bogost, The Atlantic, 17 Sep. 2026
The caucus will join the hundreds of other such groups centered around shared affinities and interests that exist in Congress.

— Katie Kilkenny, HollywoodReporter, 16 Sep. 2026

Definition of affinities

Noun

Borders should follow water flows, not compass directions, Powell believed.

— Daniel Immerwahr, New Yorker, 28 Sep. 2026
University police issued the shelter-in-place order earlier Sunday night, instructing people to close windows and doors, report anything unusual to police and await further directions.

— Adam Bednar, Baltimore Sun, 28 Sep. 2026