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
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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
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Recent Examples of leans
Christa Joanna Lee, Allure, 25 Oct. 2025
But regional festivals do provide an opportunity to further scrutinize how the movies are landing among a demographic that leans, in Middleburg at least, as wealthy as many longtime Academy voters.
—Joe Reid, Vulture, 24 Oct. 2025
If this were a Bond movie, these characters would cross the entire distance by air, in first class, in the split-second gap between scenes, but Pullman leans into the arduous business of travel.
—Lev Grossman, The Atlantic, 23 Oct. 2025
Kyha Scott of the eponymous brand Kyha debuted her newest bridal collection in Vietnam this October with a number of fully lace dresses—a first for Scott, who often leans more minimalist in her silhouettes.
—Shelby Wax, Vogue, 23 Oct. 2025
Sometimes, though, Skrilla leans into the most voyeuristic elements of drill.
—Alphonse Pierre, Pitchfork, 23 Oct. 2025
White smartly leans into an overall loner vibe that suggests someone lost in the wilderness of his own isolation.
—David Fear, Rolling Stone, 22 Oct. 2025
Seeking stability, Emily leans into her French lifestyle, until a big secret threatens one of her closest relationships.
—Hilary Lewis, HollywoodReporter, 22 Oct. 2025
Fans will know instantly that this child grows up to be renowned composer and lyricist Stephen Sondheim, and Linklater leans into that, having the pre-teenage Sondheim criticize Hart's writing.
—Maureen Lee Lenker, Entertainment Weekly, 18 Oct. 2025
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
Verb
While both flavors share the same SPF actives and nourishing base, the Mint version delivers a refreshing, tingly finish from peppermint oil and menthol, while the Açai option leans sweeter with antioxidant-rich fruit extracts.
—Christa Joanna Lee, Allure, 25 Oct. 2025
But regional festivals do provide an opportunity to further scrutinize how the movies are landing among a demographic that leans, in Middleburg at least, as wealthy as many longtime Academy voters.
—Joe Reid, Vulture, 24 Oct. 2025
If this were a Bond movie, these characters would cross the entire distance by air, in first class, in the split-second gap between scenes, but Pullman leans into the arduous business of travel.
—Lev Grossman, The Atlantic, 23 Oct. 2025
Kyha Scott of the eponymous brand Kyha debuted her newest bridal collection in Vietnam this October with a number of fully lace dresses—a first for Scott, who often leans more minimalist in her silhouettes.
—Shelby Wax, Vogue, 23 Oct. 2025
Sometimes, though, Skrilla leans into the most voyeuristic elements of drill.
—Alphonse Pierre, Pitchfork, 23 Oct. 2025
White smartly leans into an overall loner vibe that suggests someone lost in the wilderness of his own isolation.
—David Fear, Rolling Stone, 22 Oct. 2025
Seeking stability, Emily leans into her French lifestyle, until a big secret threatens one of her closest relationships.
—Hilary Lewis, HollywoodReporter, 22 Oct. 2025
Fans will know instantly that this child grows up to be renowned composer and lyricist Stephen Sondheim, and Linklater leans into that, having the pre-teenage Sondheim criticize Hart's writing.
—Maureen Lee Lenker, Entertainment Weekly, 18 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
-
The Endeavor features a centrifugal force spinning disk that tilts upwards.—
Brady MacDonald,
Oc Register,
22 Oct. 2025
-
The seat tilts forward with the press of a button on the seat shoulder.—
James Raia,
Mercury News,
19 Oct. 2025
Verb
-
Gossip blogs on the Housewives have become an entire cottage industry, and that’s a far more likely explanation as to why this tends to keep happening.—
Tom Smyth,
Vulture,
5 Nov. 2025
-
In the same vein, denim tends to be the nemesis of carry-on-only travelers.—
Lydia Mansel,
Travel + Leisure,
4 Nov. 2025
Verb
-
Multigig speeds are ideal for ultra-connected households — where everything from TVs and laptops to security systems and appliances — relies on Wi-Fi.—
Roxanne Downer,
USA Today,
3 Nov. 2025
-
Just like any podcast that relies on the strength of its creators’ conversation, Foodie Boyz could be about almost anything, and the effect would be largely the same.—
Stephanie Ganz,
Parents,
3 Nov. 2025
Noun
-
Eco mode offers a gentle support for more everyday activities like walking or covering slight inclines, while Hyper definitely takes things up a notch for running or steeper climbs.—
New Atlas,
New Atlas,
26 Oct. 2025
-
Many of the bed frames in this list have customizable elevations, typically reaching around 45-degree inclines.—
Nashia Baker,
Architectural Digest,
10 Oct. 2025
Verb
-
Meanwhile, seawater intrudes like an advancing army toward thicker ice, which rests on bedrock that slopes inward toward the bowl-like center of the continent.—
Evan Howell,
Quanta Magazine,
20 Oct. 2025
Verb
-
The color of the light depends on the type of gas and the amount of energy released.—
Shane Croucher,
MSNBC Newsweek,
6 Nov. 2025
-
This is a kind of tribal affiliation that depends on an adversary.—
Big Think,
Big Think,
5 Nov. 2025
Noun
-
The cosmos is asking us to define our aspirations and inclinations.—
Lisa Stardust,
Refinery29,
20 Oct. 2025
-
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
Cite this Entry
“Leans.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/leans. Accessed 7 Nov. 2025.
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