1
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
2
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
Samantha Agate, Kansas City Star, 14 May 2026
The approach leans toward enhancing natural features rather than dramatically altering them.
—Hanna Wickes, Sacbee.com, 14 May 2026
The lineup leans into both legacy and local pride, with performances from Charlie Wilson, Mario, PJ Morton, Baltimore native Paula Campbell, and jazz artist Brandon Woody, among others.
—Shelby Stewart, Essence, 14 May 2026
Oalka Cargo Joggers If your travel style leans more active than aesthetic, these Oalka joggers are a no-brainer.
—Chaise Sanders, Travel + Leisure, 14 May 2026
The hotel seems to cater to corporate guests, with design aesthetic that leans into dim daytime lighting and dark wooden furnishing—definitely more business than casual.
—Mike Jordan, Bon Appetit Magazine, 13 May 2026
The show really leans into Logan’s crush on Hannah.
—Kennedy French, Variety, 13 May 2026
Like many beachside spots, The Beachcomber leans into crowd-pleasing California comfort grub, including coconut shrimp, fish tacos and hefty slices of chocolate cake.
—Brock Keeling, Oc Register, 13 May 2026
The Ranch leans hard into fitness; Esalen and Expanding Light lean into philosophy and stillness.
—Lauren Schuster, Charlotte Observer, 13 May 2026
Rosie Marder, Travel + Leisure, 9 May 2026
The company’s public framing leans so heavily on markets as an early proving ground.
—Lyssanoel Frater, USA Today, 8 May 2026
Musically, Middle of Nowhere leans into traditions shaped in small-town Texas dancehalls (pedal steel, Norteño accordion and other border-blurring textures) but rarely plays it straight.
—Jonathan Cohen, SPIN, 1 May 2026
If home aesthetic leans minimalistic, this simple, soft quilt set may be your perfect bedding match.
—Mariana Best, Better Homes & Gardens, 17 Apr. 2026
Whether your aesthetic leans more tailored or bohemian, traditional or minimalist, there’s a bouclé, velvet, or wood wingback bed that’s destined for your space.
—Kate McGregor, Architectural Digest, 10 Apr. 2026
The official property listing leans into the rarity of the apartment’s layout and its position high above the city.
—David Caraccio, Sacbee.com, 31 Mar. 2026
Affia’s catalog leans into science fiction and fantasy stories centered on Black characters.
—Kansas City Star, 31 Mar. 2026
Tronque’s formula harnesses green coffee and caffeine to help support skin elasticity, while Cyklar’s blend leans into barrier care with ceramides, urea, and squalane.
—Conçetta Ciarlo, Vogue, 23 Mar. 2026
Verb
The brand Jenner recommended, Baloo Living, leans into that imagery directly.
—Samantha Agate, Kansas City Star, 14 May 2026
The approach leans toward enhancing natural features rather than dramatically altering them.
—Hanna Wickes, Sacbee.com, 14 May 2026
The lineup leans into both legacy and local pride, with performances from Charlie Wilson, Mario, PJ Morton, Baltimore native Paula Campbell, and jazz artist Brandon Woody, among others.
—Shelby Stewart, Essence, 14 May 2026
Oalka Cargo Joggers If your travel style leans more active than aesthetic, these Oalka joggers are a no-brainer.
—Chaise Sanders, Travel + Leisure, 14 May 2026
The hotel seems to cater to corporate guests, with design aesthetic that leans into dim daytime lighting and dark wooden furnishing—definitely more business than casual.
—Mike Jordan, Bon Appetit Magazine, 13 May 2026
The show really leans into Logan’s crush on Hannah.
—Kennedy French, Variety, 13 May 2026
Like many beachside spots, The Beachcomber leans into crowd-pleasing California comfort grub, including coconut shrimp, fish tacos and hefty slices of chocolate cake.
—Brock Keeling, Oc Register, 13 May 2026
The Ranch leans hard into fitness; Esalen and Expanding Light lean into philosophy and stillness.
—Lauren Schuster, Charlotte Observer, 13 May 2026
Noun
The Glamaker Puf-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, 9 May 2026
The company’s public framing leans so heavily on markets as an early proving ground.
—Lyssanoel Frater, USA Today, 8 May 2026
Musically, Middle of Nowhere leans into traditions shaped in small-town Texas dancehalls (pedal steel, Norteño accordion and other border-blurring textures) but rarely plays it straight.
—Jonathan Cohen, SPIN, 1 May 2026
If home aesthetic leans minimalistic, this simple, soft quilt set may be your perfect bedding match.
—Mariana Best, Better Homes & Gardens, 17 Apr. 2026
Whether your aesthetic leans more tailored or bohemian, traditional or minimalist, there’s a bouclé, velvet, or wood wingback bed that’s destined for your space.
—Kate McGregor, Architectural Digest, 10 Apr. 2026
The official property listing leans into the rarity of the apartment’s layout and its position high above the city.
—David Caraccio, Sacbee.com, 31 Mar. 2026
Affia’s catalog leans into science fiction and fantasy stories centered on Black characters.
—Kansas City Star, 31 Mar. 2026
Tronque’s formula harnesses green coffee and caffeine to help support skin elasticity, while Cyklar’s blend leans into barrier care with ceramides, urea, and squalane.
—Conçetta Ciarlo, Vogue, 23 Mar. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for leans
Verb
-
The green tilts back and to the left.—
CBS News,
CBS News,
10 May 2026
-
The trail eventually tilts back down toward the city, where car honks and train horns replace the cries of birds and insects.—
John Metcalfe,
Mercury News,
4 May 2026
Verb
-
Mother’s Day tends to be about devotion and closeness.—
Joshua Coleman,
Washington Post,
9 May 2026
-
Rainwater tends to stockpile on the edges of roads.—
STAR-TELEGRAM WEATHER BOT,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
9 May 2026
Verb
-
This easy London broil recipe relies on a savory marinade with a small amount of baking soda to help tenderize the meat and encourage browning.—
Zaynab Issa,
Bon Appetit Magazine,
8 May 2026
-
Shah clarified on the May 6 video call that the financial model for independent schools relies on tuition covering roughly 70% of operating costs, with the remaining 30% dependent on giving.—
Claire Murphy,
Chicago Tribune,
8 May 2026
Noun
-
Between slick tiles and steep inclines, locals rely on comfortable, supportive shoes—usually sleek sneakers, sturdy flats, or low-profile sandals.—
Samantha Leal,
Travel + Leisure,
30 Apr. 2026
-
The story follows struggling creatives navigating debt, eviction threats and a precarious gig economy, visualized in Riley’s inventive style — from looming piles of eviction notices to characters literally struggling up and down steep inclines that mirror the instability of their lives.—
Deborah Sengupta Stith,
Austin American Statesman,
17 Mar. 2026
Verb
-
Safer travel can be found on lower-angle terrain, generally slopes less than 30 degrees, particularly in areas sheltered from the wind.—
Callie Zanandrie,
CBS News,
2 Apr. 2026
-
One of my favorite choices is developing a dry creek bed that slopes away from a home's foundation.—
Mary Marlowe Leverette,
Southern Living,
7 Mar. 2026
Verb
-
In those circumstances, strong representation depends on more than technical skill alone.—
Matt Emma,
USA Today,
13 May 2026
-
Many of these crops can be sown six to eight weeks before the last expected frost in your region, but exact timing depends on your local climate.—
Lauren Jarvis-Gibson,
Kansas City Star,
13 May 2026
Noun
-
Who knew that such daring would lead to a film that avoids these inclinations entirely, especially one that could have so easily leaned into controversial territory?—
David Opie,
IndieWire,
15 Apr. 2026
-
Samuel Alito’s inclinations have not been hard to discern lately.—
Peter S. Canellos,
The Atlantic,
10 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Leans.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/leans. Accessed 15 May. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
