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

Clean Reserve’s Warm Cotton Eau de Parfum leans a little more literal, pairing crisp citrus and aldehydes with floral cotton notes and musk to capture that just-out-of-the-dryer feeling. — Christa Joanna Lee, Allure, 11 July 2026 Khloud by Khloé Kardashian protein popcorn and chips Khloé Kardashian’s brand, Khloud, leans into snackable formats. — Lauren Jarvis-Gibson july 10, Sacbee.com, 10 July 2026 If your style leans more modern, don’t miss this Crafted Geo Cotton Quilt that’s available in a fresh and deep dark green in full/queen and king sizes. — Carly Totten, Better Homes & Gardens, 10 July 2026 Irmler’s Unbegunden leans into immersive electronics, organ drones and spontaneous composition, channeling the group’s most uncompromising impulses. — Spin Staff, SPIN, 9 July 2026 Long-running pop-up event Fork N’ Film leans more dinner and movie, pairing dishes directly inspired by what is happening on screen. — Todd Martens, Los Angeles Times, 8 July 2026 The prediction leans towards Holloway winning by knockout after the first round, overwhelming McGregor with strikes. — Trent Reinsmith, Forbes.com, 7 July 2026 While Swift’s family favorite restaurant, Henny’s, shuttered its doors, Stone Harbor’s lunch and dinner scene still leans into casual, coastal comfort. — Kathleen O’Neill, Travel + Leisure, 6 July 2026 Espada seeks every late-game advantage and leans hard on his most dependable players to provide it. — Chandler Rome, New York Times, 4 July 2026

Noun

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 From the cozy Kringle Kitchen room to the rustic Country Christmas displays, each section caters to a different decorating style, whether your aesthetic leans classic, whimsical, or over-the-top festive. — Alexandra Emanuelli, Southern Living, 12 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 Designed by London studio Interiors With Art, the aesthetic leans into understated Art Deco touches; sycamore wood panelling, Murano glass lighting, brushed gold accents, and a palette inspired by nearby Hyde Park in autumn. — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 27 May 2026 Case in point is the Koala Bear, which embraces the roots of the small living movement and leans into its strength as a portable home for one or two modern nomads. — Adam Williams may 24, New Atlas, 24 May 2026 The company’s public framing leans so heavily on markets as an early proving ground. — Lyssanoel Frater, USA Today, 8 May 2026

Recent Examples of Synonyms for leans

Verb

Cybersecurity spending stays sturdy because the threat keeps getting worse, and this particular shift tilts the advantage toward the narrow set of platforms built to fight at machine speed rather than every vendor with a security label.

— Jon Markman, Forbes.com, 7 July 2026
The blood orange and yuzu sound lovely in theory, but the vanilla tilts it into dessert territory — way too sweet and rich.

— Angela Hansberger, AJC.com, 6 July 2026

Definition of tilts

Verb

The risk of students using AI to cheat tends to get a lot of attention – with good reason.

— Brett DeJager, The Conversation, 10 July 2026
Additionally, utilization tends to increase with larger crews on the space station compared with smaller ones, as maintenance becomes less of a burden with more hands to take on these tasks.

— Elizabeth Howell, Space.com, 9 July 2026

Definition of tends

Verb

American Express relies on airlines to submit the correct information on airline transactions to identify incidental fee purchases.

— Ryley Amond, CNBC, 7 July 2026
Technical assessments reveal Oreshnik relies on outdated Soviet-era guidance, causing substantial accuracy issues for conventional strikes.

— David Kirichenko, Forbes.com, 7 July 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

Noun

Getty Choosing a college major has always been a big life decision, influenced by not only personal inclinations and talents, but also by starting salaries.

— Courtney Connley-Hampton, Forbes.com, 30 June 2026
There were inclinations to not fully believe in their capabilities against Argentina.

— Joshua Kloke, New York Times, 4 June 2026