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

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in relies

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

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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

Midland leans substantially more Republican than Cabarrus County as a whole. — Nora O'Neill, Charlotte Observer, 18 July 2026 But the film leans further into new territory with its leading romantic duo, taking their physical relationship to different places following the events of season three. — Abbey White, HollywoodReporter, 18 July 2026 This petite floral sheet set leans into that charm with a delicate print that reads almost like a neutral, while the contrasting gingham ruffle adds even more pattern play. — Vy Yang, Architectural Digest, 17 July 2026 Bond demand is softening as AI’s buildout leans more heavily on credit markets. — Robert J. Szczerba, Forbes.com, 17 July 2026 On the West Coast, Petco Park in San Diego leans into local heavyweights. — Lauren Schuster, Miami Herald, 16 July 2026 Situated on the southern edge of North Carolina’s southernmost hook, which curls around the Neuse River and stretches towards the Atlantic, Beaufort is a historic fishing village that leans into its storied and salty charms. — Betsy Cribb Watson, Southern Living, 16 July 2026 Clean Reserve’s Warm Cotton Eau de Parfum leans a little more literal, pairing crisp citrus and aldehydes with floral cotton notes and musk to capture that just-out-of-the-dryer feeling. — Christa Joanna Lee, Allure, 11 July 2026 Khloud by Khloé Kardashian protein popcorn and chips Khloé Kardashian’s brand, Khloud, leans into snackable formats. — Lauren Jarvis-Gibson july 10, Sacbee.com, 10 July 2026

Noun

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 From the cozy Kringle Kitchen room to the rustic Country Christmas displays, each section caters to a different decorating style, whether your aesthetic leans classic, whimsical, or over-the-top festive. — Alexandra Emanuelli, Southern Living, 12 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 Designed by London studio Interiors With Art, the aesthetic leans into understated Art Deco touches; sycamore wood panelling, Murano glass lighting, brushed gold accents, and a palette inspired by nearby Hyde Park in autumn. — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 27 May 2026 Case in point is the Koala Bear, which embraces the roots of the small living movement and leans into its strength as a portable home for one or two modern nomads. — Adam Williams may 24, New Atlas, 24 May 2026

Recent Examples of Synonyms for leans

Verb

When force is applied, the pillar tilts toward the point of contact, compressing the corresponding chamber and pushing fluid through soft tubes to actuators.

— Jijo Malayil, Interesting Engineering, 13 July 2026
The final manual adjustment is the headrest, which slides vertically with firm clicks and tilts smoothly up and down.

— Will Greenwald, PC Magazine, 9 July 2026

Definition of tilts

Verb

Among the existing methods for cleaning flesh off a specimen is chemical treatment, but that tends to be bad for the environment and can degrade the skeleton.

— Ari Daniel, NPR, 17 July 2026
Flooding damage, for example, tends to have major step changes once water levels exceed specific marks set by riverbanks.

— ArsTechnica, ArsTechnica, 17 July 2026

Definition of tends

Verb

Ray Seilie, attorney at Kinsella Holley Iser Kump Steinsapir (KHIKS), said that the states’ cable theory relies on the same measure of harm as other successful antitrust cases, which is higher prices for consumers.

— Brian Welk, IndieWire, 14 July 2026
The boot relies on a combination of stretch ripstop upper fabric, laces and centrally zippered overlay to provide a confident, foot-conforming fit.

— New Atlas, New Atlas, 14 July 2026

Definition of relies

Noun

The riverfront includes steep inclines, large rocks and uneven ground that can be difficult for workers or machinery to manage safely.

— Sophia Buonpane, Kansas City Star, 29 June 2026
Combat travel stiffness with simple SITS exercises (shoulder shrugs, inclines, twists, steps) and consider chiropractic care before and after your trip for spinal alignment.

— Sherry McAllister, Forbes.com, 23 June 2026

Definition of inclines

Noun

The solution Ciufolini proposed decades ago while working with physicist John Archibald Wheeler was to use two satellites in supplementary orbits, meaning with orbital inclinations that sum to 180 degrees.

— Jacek Krywko, ArsTechnica, 10 July 2026
Getty Choosing a college major has always been a big life decision, influenced by not only personal inclinations and talents, but also by starting salaries.

— Courtney Connley-Hampton, Forbes.com, 30 June 2026