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

Stunning architecture From the curb, the estate leans into traditional luxury — a stately facade and a sense that this 1998 build was designed to endure. — David Caraccio, Sacbee.com, 8 Aug. 2026 My mom’s sense of style leans towards sophisticated yet functional. — Izzy Baskette, PEOPLE, 8 Aug. 2026 The audio presentation is excellent overall, but leans a little too far into the low end by default. — Mark Knapp, PC Magazine, 7 Aug. 2026 Consider libertarian morality, which leans heavily in the direction of protecting the space of freedom and individual rights. — Jen Cole Wright, The Conversation, 7 Aug. 2026 The clean mood leans minimal and modern, with frames that feel crisp and easy to wear day after day. — Matthew Kayser, USA Today, 7 Aug. 2026 The roll rate—how quickly and how deeply the car leans when cornering—is predictable, and beautifully measured. — Mark Ewing, Forbes.com, 6 Aug. 2026 If your bedroom leans traditional, this heritage upholstery bed and sculptural headboard will breathe life into your interiors. — Nashia Baker, Architectural Digest, 6 Aug. 2026 Whether your style leans classic or trend-forward, the runways made the case for building a wardrobe with a range of silhouettes, ensuring there’s a perfect pair for every occasion. — Kristina Rutkowski, Vogue, 5 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

The equatorial mount tilts to match Earth’s axis, allowing smooth tracking by turning two cables instead of pushing the tube constantly.

— Damian Peach, Space.com, 4 Aug. 2026
Then, as the sphere travels toward the hitter, the ball suddenly tilts toward 3 o'clock.

— Cody Stavenhagen, New York Times, 31 July 2026

Definition of tilts

Verb

Aranda tends to review pitches on the left side of the strike zone (from the pitcher’s point of view), while Caminero mostly scrutinizes pitches along the bottom.

— Abby DiSalvo, The Orlando Sentinel, 7 Aug. 2026
What tends to work a little better on average is when the live-action film is produced as more of a hybrid with the techniques that made the director’s name.

— Josh Slater-Williams, IndieWire, 7 Aug. 2026

Definition of tends

Verb

São Tomé and Príncipe first announced the citizenship-by-investment scheme in August 2025 with the goal of raising funds to support the local economy, which currently relies heavily on cocoa exports and foreign aid.

— Brittany Chang, Condé Nast Traveler, 4 Aug. 2026
But neither framing addresses what actually changes when an executive relies on a system that reflects rather than resists.

— Samuel Rodrigues, Forbes.com, 4 Aug. 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

Verb

Prospects for whether this holds for TWICE depends substantially on what the remaining eight members decide to do with their own contracts.

— Hannah Abraham, Forbes.com, 10 Aug. 2026
The city’s manufacturing ecosystem depends on rough stones sourced from around the world, processed by tens of thousands of workers, and funneled into global markets through trading networks centered in Mumbai.

— Rhea Mogul, CNN Money, 9 Aug. 2026

Definition of depends

Noun

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
Half the tracks skate along atop grooves informed by house and UK garage, reflecting Hebden’s clubbiest inclinations as well as his idiosyncratic sound design.

— Philip Sherburne, Pitchfork, 18 July 2026