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

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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

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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

That order leans toward voluntary testing, government access and security coordination rather than a licensing regime, while the states have moved further and faster. — Paulo Carvão, Forbes.com, 2 Aug. 2026 The menu leans Mediterranean, with small plates and cocktails to tide you over in between meals. — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 1 Aug. 2026 Kiggan’s district is deemed a toss-up by Cook Political Report, while Wittman’s leans Republican. — Molly Parks, The Washington Examiner, 1 Aug. 2026 As a result, even though the show leans into the gimmicky aspects of the crime genre, stunning reveals and cliffhangers keep viewers drawn in across the episodes. — Aramide Tinubu, Variety, 31 July 2026 His latest contribution to the cause is the design of the team’s away strip for the 2026-27 season, a cream creation that leans heavily into the club’s fabled past. — Matt Slater, New York Times, 31 July 2026 Where the house’s beloved Valaya leans crisp and fresh, Athénaïs feels more sun-drenched and soft, summery getaways. — Conçetta Ciarlo, Vogue, 31 July 2026 This sheer pink take on the lychee martini nail trend leans a touch rosier while maintaining the glossy, juicy finish that makes the look so irresistible. — Amanda Le, InStyle, 31 July 2026 The structure leans heavily on concrete, steel and glass, but it’s warmed by wood, basalt and marble finishes and by the way the house frames the surrounding terrain. — David Caraccio, Sacbee.com, 25 July 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

Visibility depends on factors like solar wind and the interplanetary magnetic field.

— Jamie Carter, Forbes.com, 2 Aug. 2026
Jagetz described tattooing as a profession that remains heavily male dominated, where apprentices are frequently expected to tolerate inappropriate behavior because obtaining a license often depends on the person training them.

— Kansas City Star, Kansas City Star, 1 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