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 Expect heavy 12 and 13 personnel — a natural fit with Sammis’ pro-style leanings. — Steven Johnson, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 19 Aug. 2026 Graham Platner’s Nazi tattoo, his antisemitic and anti-Israeli stances, or his communist leanings. — Sun Sentinel Editorial Board, Sun Sentinel, 14 Aug. 2026 Thanks to Reagan’s pro-oligarch leanings, his administration drove down inheritance tax requirements, pushing rates down to nearly 50 percent—leaving the heirs of oligarchs with more than enough to quickly rebuild their families’ financial empires. — Literary Hub, 14 Aug. 2026 Stapleton also witnessed the opportunistic shift in the tech industry’s political leanings in recent years. — Jennifer Ouellette, ArsTechnica, 11 Aug. 2026 The look fits with Theron’s more daring leanings, especially on this press tour. — Jacqui Palumbo, CNN Money, 7 Aug. 2026 An exuberant pastiche of turn-of-the-18th century historical dress with his own New Romantic leanings, it was snapped up in its entirety by the British department store Browns. — Nicole Phelps, Vogue, 31 July 2026 The 71-year-old actor argued political leanings had possibly become part of the equation when performances alone should decide who gets recognized. — Lauryn Overhultz, FOXNews.com, 28 July 2026 When Epstein’s appointment was announced, his political leanings – his cover letter for the role laid out an explicitly conservative vision – as well as his relative lack of experience rankled many FIU law faculty members. — Austin Horn july 24, Miami Herald, 24 July 2026

Recent Examples of Synonyms for leanings

Noun

Catholics have frequently exemplified the best and worst tendencies of American society.

— Gustavo Arellano, Los Angeles Times, 19 Aug. 2026
The group will have paramount responsibility in a UCLA offense set to feature optionality and run-pass-option tendencies.

— Aaron Heisen, Daily News, 17 Aug. 2026

Definition of tendencies

Noun

Putin will eventually leave office, whether by death, illness, or—against all observable inclinations—stepping aside.

— Julian G. Waller, Foreign Affairs, 7 Aug. 2026
People with gene variants that affect these inclinations may also be at a higher risk of developing obesity and type 2 diabetes, researchers found.

— Emily Kay Votruba, EverydayHealth.com, 28 July 2026

Definition of inclinations

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

All eyes are set on the midterm elections to see how the voting tides have shifted or stayed the same.

— Joshua Ceballos, Miami Herald, 22 Aug. 2026
Saltwater speeds up rust and wear, plants need regular care, docks face storms and tides, and equipment like generators, solar panels, and desalination systems will eventually need replacing.

— Jim Dobson, Forbes.com, 21 Aug. 2026

Definition of tides

Noun

The dragons are identical to those seen on screen and each possess unique passive Habit abilities, troop affinities and powerful synergies.

— Tanya Fedak, Variety, 18 Aug. 2026
This week, Margot Robbie, Jennifer Lawrence, and Kristen Stewart all planted a flag, making their personal jorts affinities known.

— Hannah Jackson, Vogue, 17 Aug. 2026

Definition of affinities

Noun

This is different from heat-transporting phonons at room temperature, which spread out evenly in all directions.

— Ameya Paleja, Interesting Engineering, 24 Aug. 2026
As of Sunday morning, the Hawk Fire was 0% contained and was moving in different directions as the winds changed, complicating the fight.

— CBS News, CBS News, 23 Aug. 2026