LEANS Synonyms: 73 Similar and Opposite Words

leans 1 of 2

verb

present tense third-person singular of lean

as in tilts

to set or cause to be at an angle just lean the ladder against the tree and climb up it

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in tends

to show a liking or proneness (for something) the family's diet leans toward greasy food

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in relies

to place reliance or trust you can always lean on me if you need help

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

leans

2 of 2

noun

plural of lean

as in inclines

the degree to which something rises up from a position level with the horizon the wall has enough of a lean that we can't set a bookcase against it

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 leans

Verb

The menu leans into comfort — thick, chewy dough, generous toppings and a sauce that’s been a local talking point for years. — Usa Today Network, USA Today, 21 Aug. 2026 This timeless design leans casual, but the ruched toe adds a delicate touch that looks pretty with a dress or trousers. — Sarah Scott, Southern Living, 20 Aug. 2026 And while Foy is appealing as the indefatigable mother, Garfield leans too heavily into manic cutesiness as the endlessly chirpy father who at times seems less grown-up than his children. — Frank Scheck, HollywoodReporter, 20 Aug. 2026 Expect a menu that leans into Michigan seasonality, thoughtful wine pairings, and dishes that reflect Carlisle’s Wisconsin farm upbringing. — Amy Bizzarri, Midwest Living, 20 Aug. 2026 Rulber’s Restaurant leans heavily on the ranchero theme, with horseshoes repeated on its walls and in the logo. — Kansas City Star, 20 Aug. 2026 Now, this is standard operating procedure in matters such as this, and leans not much at all to the desires of the DGA, the suddenly corporately compliant IATSE and others for a deal to avoid a trial. — Dominic Patten, Deadline, 19 Aug. 2026 And while the design leans a little old-school, the inn is unbeatable for serene lakeside vibes within easy reach of city amenities. — Lila Harron Battis, Travel + Leisure, 18 Aug. 2026 Built by renowned architect Roger Scott on a deep lot, the property leans more toward forest cabin than tract house. — David Caraccio, Sacbee.com, 15 Aug. 2026

Noun

Pendleton’s travel-ready design leans into that ritual with a roll-up board printed in one of the heritage brand’s iconic patterns, reversible wooden pieces, and a vegan leather pouch for toting it around. — Nicole Kliest, Vogue, 8 Aug. 2026 The cocktail menu leans into the couple’s heritage with some Argentine staples, including the El Clásico of Fernet and Coke and El Diego, concocted with sweet vermouth, Coke and a splash of whiskey. — Rick West, Chicago Tribune, 3 Aug. 2026 In winter, the adults-only retreat leans into its cozy side, inviting guests to curl up by the fireplace, book a spa treatment, and embrace the slower pace of mountain life. — Alexandra Emanuelli, Southern Living, 20 July 2026 The 23-year-old Vancouver native leans into analog indie rock, using story songs and confessional lyrics to wrestle with relationships, future anxieties and the challenges of growing up in the public eye. — Los Angeles Times, 14 July 2026 The Glamaker Puff-sleeve Blouse leans into that shift with its mix of eyelet and lace detailing, plus a subtle puff sleeve that adds shape without feeling overdone. — Rosie Marder, Travel + Leisure, 4 July 2026 But this version of Zorro leans instead into broad comedy and an even broader vintage aesthetic including day-for-night shooting and a general soft-focus haze. — Daniel Fienberg, HollywoodReporter, 30 June 2026 Cassetta leans toward the rational. — The Editors, Robb Report, 27 June 2026 Inspired by Japanese listening bars, the cocktail menu leans into drinks made with iichiko (the highest grade of shochu, a barley liquor), Japanese whisky, and peppery shiso. — Tanya Edwards, Bon Appetit Magazine, 8 June 2026

Recent Examples of Synonyms for leans

Verb

This piece then dramatically tilts down joining the rest of the track before the ride car rockets down the vertical drop.

— Caroline Reid, Forbes.com, 18 Aug. 2026
Simashev is excellent defensively and on retrievals and tilts the ice in his favor.

— Corey Pronman, New York Times, 18 Aug. 2026

Definition of tilts

Verb

Their approach relies on an existing airframe, potentially giving the Marine Corps a faster route toward an operational collaborative combat aircraft.

— Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 18 Aug. 2026
While the show relies heavily on visual effects, the goal is to always do everything as practically as possible — including creatures like the Radscorpion and Deathclaws, which use puppets and animatronics.

— Matt Minton, Variety, 18 Aug. 2026

Definition of relies

Noun

Cows amble in the distance along the inclines of meadows; their grazing helps control invasive plants.

— Kalpana Mohan, Mercury News, 10 Aug. 2026
Bert McCarty, a Clemson University professor of turfgrass science and management, said golfers like how top courses are so different — from incorporating the ocean in places near beaches to relying on inclines in the mountains.

— ABC News, ABC News, 7 Aug. 2026

Definition of inclines

Verb

In rivers and streams in Virginia and Maryland, Hack measured the length of each stream and the area of the land that slopes toward that stream and therefore drains into it, called its basin or drainage area.

— Natalie Wolchover, Quanta Magazine, 10 Aug. 2026
Depending on the excursion’s stops, snorkelers might float above patch reefs or explore the channels between spur-and-groove coral formations as the reef slopes into deeper water.

— Sarah Bruning, Travel + Leisure, 6 Aug. 2026

Definition of slopes

Verb

Xi has said fighting against corruption is essential to the party’s survival, and its ability to stay in power depends on strict discipline and political loyalty.

— Sylvie Zhuang, CNN Money, 16 Aug. 2026
The timing of any major new construction projects in the UAE which rely on freight arriving by sea depends on the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz.

— Caroline Reid, Forbes.com, 16 Aug. 2026

Definition of depends

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