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
3
as in relies
to place reliance or trust
you can always lean on me if you need help
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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
Clayton Davis, Variety, 6 Sep. 2025
Spanning over 20 years of Martin’s life, Michôd and Mirrah Foulkes’ screenplay (with story by Katherine Fugate) leans into the general shape of the triumphant sports story — rising talent, gritty road to glory, many setbacks, eventual big win — but reimagines it as a much more common tale.
—Kate Erbland, IndieWire, 5 Sep. 2025
Lenker, in plaid, rubs her eyes; James Krivchenia leans forward, sparky and alert; Meek, outdoors in the Topanga sunshine, wears cycling glasses and a frowzy hat.
—Emma Madden, Pitchfork, 4 Sep. 2025
While the Tuxedo Cake features a classic chocolate-and-vanilla combination, the Mocha Crunch Bar Cake leans into the rich, roasted flavors of coffee, offering a more mature twist.
—Elizabeth Fogarty, Better Homes & Gardens, 4 Sep. 2025
The cereal looks a bit like Honey Grahams, but with a snappier, harder texture that leans more crunchy than crispy.
—Alaina Chou, Bon Appetit Magazine, 3 Sep. 2025
This staging, contained in an epically verdant setting from Milo Bue, leans more into the comedy than the original production.
—Chris Jones, Chicago Tribune, 2 Sep. 2025
Rather than embellishing her $68 bloomers with the ruffles and frills of 19th-century French intimates, Hourston leans into casual prints and patterns to distinguish her bloomers.
—Tiana Randall, Forbes.com, 31 Aug. 2025
While the United States leans heavily on voluntary 401(k)-style savings plans, other nations rely on mandatory contributions or more traditional pensions to ensure broad coverage and steady income.
—Charlotte Morabito, CNBC, 29 Aug. 2025
Robyn Mowatt, Essence, 20 Aug. 2025
Verb
The film leans heavily into practical effects, with real fire used wherever feasible to amplify authenticity.
—Clayton Davis, Variety, 6 Sep. 2025
Spanning over 20 years of Martin’s life, Michôd and Mirrah Foulkes’ screenplay (with story by Katherine Fugate) leans into the general shape of the triumphant sports story — rising talent, gritty road to glory, many setbacks, eventual big win — but reimagines it as a much more common tale.
—Kate Erbland, IndieWire, 5 Sep. 2025
Lenker, in plaid, rubs her eyes; James Krivchenia leans forward, sparky and alert; Meek, outdoors in the Topanga sunshine, wears cycling glasses and a frowzy hat.
—Emma Madden, Pitchfork, 4 Sep. 2025
While the Tuxedo Cake features a classic chocolate-and-vanilla combination, the Mocha Crunch Bar Cake leans into the rich, roasted flavors of coffee, offering a more mature twist.
—Elizabeth Fogarty, Better Homes & Gardens, 4 Sep. 2025
The cereal looks a bit like Honey Grahams, but with a snappier, harder texture that leans more crunchy than crispy.
—Alaina Chou, Bon Appetit Magazine, 3 Sep. 2025
This staging, contained in an epically verdant setting from Milo Bue, leans more into the comedy than the original production.
—Chris Jones, Chicago Tribune, 2 Sep. 2025
Rather than embellishing her $68 bloomers with the ruffles and frills of 19th-century French intimates, Hourston leans into casual prints and patterns to distinguish her bloomers.
—Tiana Randall, Forbes.com, 31 Aug. 2025
While the United States leans heavily on voluntary 401(k)-style savings plans, other nations rely on mandatory contributions or more traditional pensions to ensure broad coverage and steady income.
—Charlotte Morabito, CNBC, 29 Aug. 2025
Noun
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
-
Witnesses and lawmakers wrestled with NASA’s budget priorities, highlighting concern that the administration’s 2026 budget request tilts heavily toward exploration while slashing science programs.—
Josh Dinner,
Space.com,
4 Sep. 2025
-
That kind of self-funding, like Rauner before him, tilts the playing field.—
The Editorial Board,
Chicago Tribune,
2 Sep. 2025
Verb
-
During this time of year, tropical activity tends to develop in the Caribbean or Gulf, rather than near Africa, which also complicates response efforts, Francis said.—
Julia Jacobo,
ABC News,
10 Sep. 2025
-
Rainwater tends to stockpile on the edges of roads.—
NC Weather Bot,
Charlotte Observer,
10 Sep. 2025
Verb
-
Dudek’s sister back in Saginaw, Ana Dudek, relies on Social Security disability benefits.—
Eli Hager,
ProPublica,
8 Sep. 2025
-
The system relies on two sets of Fresnel lenses, flat ultrathin structures similar to those in lighthouses.—
Aamir Khollam,
Interesting Engineering,
8 Sep. 2025
Noun
-
They are most commonly used to transport people and cargo up steep inclines.—
Catherine Nicholls,
CNN Money,
4 Sep. 2025
Verb
-
That includes businesses that provide professional services, such as doctors, lawyers, consultants, athletes, and brokers—typically, any business whose success depends on the reputation or skill of its employees.—
Kelly Phillips Erb,
Forbes.com,
4 Sep. 2025
-
The color of the aurora depends on which gas is being excited by the electrons and on how much energy is being exchanged, NASA said.—
Jenna Prestininzi,
Freep.com,
3 Sep. 2025
Noun
-
The slopes have been planted with pineapples, but nature is also providing the ingredients for her next meal — wild ginger, edible ferns, turmeric, and pandan.—
Christopher Elliott,
Forbes.com,
6 Sep. 2025
-
Best Shopping Even off the slopes, Zermatt knows how to do luxury.—
Alexandra Emanuelli,
Travel + Leisure,
6 Sep. 2025
Noun
-
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
-
The artist’s ability to straddle the line between tomboy inclinations and ultra-glam moments is what has always attracted me to her style.—
Robyn Mowatt,
Essence,
20 Aug. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Leans.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/leans. Accessed 11 Sep. 2025.
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