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

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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

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 district, which previously favored Democrats, now tilts toward Republicans, and some Memphis voters have raised concerns that their representation has been diminished.

— ABC News, ABC News, 6 Aug. 2026
To turn, the system tilts the internal flywheel toward either side.

— Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 6 Aug. 2026

Definition of tilts

Verb

There’s a frightening imbalance in how the mainstream media report on these candidates, which tends to take it pretty easy on the latter.

— Chicago Tribune, Chicago Tribune, 14 Aug. 2026
Animal damage tends to be most devastating during the first half of the season, when plants are still becoming established.

— The Spruce, The Spruce, 13 Aug. 2026

Definition of tends

Verb

The White House said that free vaccines provided through the Vaccines for Children program would also not be affected by the new executive order because, by law, that program relies on guidance from the CDC’s vaccine advisory committee.

— Brenda Goodman, CNN Money, 11 Aug. 2026
That description relies on a narrow meaning of identity, however.

— Nicole M. Bennett, The Conversation, 11 Aug. 2026

Definition of relies

Noun

Cows amble in the distance along the inclines of meadows; their grazing helps control invasive plants.

— Kalpana Mohan, Mercury News, 10 Aug. 2026
Bert McCarty, a Clemson University professor of turfgrass science and management, said golfers like how top courses are so different — from incorporating the ocean in places near beaches to relying on inclines in the mountains.

— ABC News, ABC News, 7 Aug. 2026

Definition of inclines

Verb

In rivers and streams in Virginia and Maryland, Hack measured the length of each stream and the area of the land that slopes toward that stream and therefore drains into it, called its basin or drainage area.

— Natalie Wolchover, Quanta Magazine, 10 Aug. 2026
Depending on the excursion’s stops, snorkelers might float above patch reefs or explore the channels between spur-and-groove coral formations as the reef slopes into deeper water.

— Sarah Bruning, Travel + Leisure, 6 Aug. 2026

Definition of slopes

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

Putin will eventually leave office, whether by death, illness, or—against all observable inclinations—stepping aside.

— Julian G. Waller, Foreign Affairs, 7 Aug. 2026
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