leans 1 of 2

present tense third-person singular of lean
1
as in tilts
to set or cause to be at an angle just lean the ladder against the tree and climb up it

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2
as in tends
to show a liking or proneness (for something) the family's diet leans toward greasy food

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3

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

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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
Even the lodging here leans into the rugged setting. Lauren Dana Ellman, Travel + Leisure, 11 Oct. 2025 Kravet often leans a bit more modern and transitional with their products. Elly Leavitt, Vogue, 10 Oct. 2025 As is his wont, Schumacher leans into the emotional manipulation — heaven forbid the man should ever restrain himself — which actually undercuts the emotions on display. Bilge Ebiri, Vulture, 10 Oct. 2025 The collection — about 80 to 90 pieces — leans into easy caftans, terry hoodies and airy gowns, in bright hues, tie-dyes, organic cottons and satins. Ryma Chikhoune, Footwear News, 9 Oct. 2025 Although the house’s silhouette leans more modern, Alice anchored it with natural textures and a color palette that echoes the lake’s moody greens. Cameron Beall, Southern Living, 8 Oct. 2025 This sleek option from Walker Edison leans modern with its ultra-thin legs. Audrey Lee, Architectural Digest, 8 Oct. 2025 And so, bringing everybody into this one big industry moment leans into that. Stewart Clarke, Deadline, 8 Oct. 2025 Except for a few shots of China’s President Xi presiding over a military parade, the film’s image of totalitarianism leans far more toward right-wing regimes; to leave out Mao, or Castro, feels like a mistake. Owen Gleiberman, Variety, 3 Oct. 2025
Noun
Each October, the historic property leans into its spooky legacy with Halloween balls and themed events that pair perfectly with its Rocky Mountain setting. Jacqueline Dole, Travel + Leisure, 6 Oct. 2025 The color palette of Lounge’s fall 2025 collection leans into autumn with shades of tan, cherry, chocolate and black, showcased across a range of textures that include brushed alpaca, sculpted denim, and sheer fabrics. Renan Botelho, Footwear News, 29 Sep. 2025 Their latest installment leans into a moody, underground vibe — think poker tables, pool halls and old-school paperboy caps — while showcasing the company’s signature blend of contemporary and commercial styles. Sean Erwin, Miami Herald, 19 Sep. 2025 The list that follows leans mostly toward dives with history, little gems that cater to a wider range of ages and offer more to the palate than cheap beer. The Athletic College Football Staff, New York Times, 11 Sep. 2025 The Mercer 41 sleeper sofa—made to fit two guests quite comfortably—channels a Bauhaus vibe with its metal frame, and the green corduroy upholstery leans into today’s penchant for all things ’70s. Yelena Moroz Alpert, Architectural Digest, 10 Sep. 2025 The tap or snap leans into Craig’s submission prowess. Brian Mazique, Forbes.com, 6 Sep. 2025 The Grammy Award-winning R&B singer and entrepreneur, who at times leans into pop, has been a mainstay in my household for years. Robyn Mowatt, Essence, 20 Aug. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for leans
Verb
  • One memorable moment comes early, when another call between Polly and her mother tilts into dread as the voice on the phone morphs into a more callous, sinister being.
    J. Kim Murphy, Variety, 11 Oct. 2025
  • If public disclosures decline, the edge tilts even further toward those already holding the edge.
    Richard Torrenzano, Fortune, 9 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • Rainwater tends to gather along the road edges.
    CA Weather Bot, Sacbee.com, 14 Oct. 2025
  • Rainwater tends to stockpile on the edges of roads.
    NC Weather Bot, Charlotte Observer, 14 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • OpenAI relies on partners like Nvidia for the chips needed to power AI data centers.
    Lisa Eadicicco, CNN Money, 13 Oct. 2025
  • Why Tennessee Highway Patrol relies on Ford Mustangs One of the most recent Tennessee Highway Patrol fleet additions is the Ford Mustang, according to a post from the official THP Facebook account.
    Charles Singh, USA Today, 13 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • Many of the bed frames in this list have customizable elevations, typically reaching around 45-degree inclines.
    Nashia Baker, Architectural Digest, 10 Oct. 2025
  • In January, Unitree showcased its G1 robot’s smooth walking and running system, demonstrating agility, stability, and precise control on inclines and uneven terrain.
    Prabhat Ranjan Mishra, Interesting Engineering, 25 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • Whether those come or not, Dallas’ success likely depends on Prescott, Lamb, Pickens and the rest of the offense.
    Jon Machota, New York Times, 16 Oct. 2025
  • By comparing two types of borosilicate glass, one containing magnesium and one without, the team discovered that the diffusion of boron atoms depends strongly on the glass composition and the time it has been exposed to water.
    Prabhat Ranjan Mishra, Interesting Engineering, 16 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • Make your way down the slopes via velogemel, a snowbike that was invented and patented in the Jungfrau village of Grindelwald, or a sledge.
    Lydia Mansel, Travel + Leisure, 11 Oct. 2025
  • The season kicks off early here and generally peaks during the first two weeks of October when high slopes are painted with bands of yellow, orange and gold as the aspens unleash their leafy fireworks, though in 2025, the colors are creeping in a little later than usual.
    Roger Naylor, AZCentral.com, 10 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • LaCombe, who played forward in his youth, has shown great improvement in his own end but still has the offensive inclinations to be a point producer.
    Eric Stephens, New York Times, 2 Oct. 2025
  • While the corrupt scheme was well documented journalistically and much of the evidence is indicative, ultimately Argentina's Judiciary followed its political inclinations all the way to the top.
    Agustino Fontevecchia, Forbes.com, 27 Aug. 2025

Cite this Entry

“Leans.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/leans. Accessed 18 Oct. 2025.

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