as in prefers
to show partiality toward
I'm leaning toward sausage on our pizza tonight—we got pepperoni the last three times
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
Recent Examples of Synonyms for leans (toward or towards)
Verb
-
The taskmaster prefers structure, discipline and long-term strategy, but Aries is impulsive, immediate and self-focused.—
Valerie Mesa,
PEOPLE,
17 Apr. 2026 -
But Pagliocca is a dealer, an executive who prefers to stay on the move and keep busy on the phones — and, at times, perhaps take on extra risk as a result.—
Julia Poe,
Chicago Tribune,
17 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
McMahon likes to remind scolds that wrestling is a morality play.—
Zach Helfand,
New Yorker,
20 Apr. 2026
-
Ellis likes the competitive atmosphere Chesney brings to the program.—
Steve Galluzzo,
Los Angeles Times,
20 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
This transit favors awareness and thoughtful pacing.—
Tarot.com,
The Orlando Sentinel,
20 Apr. 2026
-
This placement favors honesty over diplomacy and action over endless discussion.—
Valerie Mesa,
PEOPLE,
20 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
So while much of the SEC sorts through uncertainty and roster churn, Georgia enjoys its spring with a rare sense of clarity, anchored by a core that's already taken the field together at Sanford Stadium.—
CBS News,
CBS News,
17 Apr. 2026
-
Stagg coach Pat Kelly enjoys watching Farhan put forth performances like that.—
Jeff Vorva,
Chicago Tribune,
16 Apr. 2026
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.
Cite this Entry
“Leans (toward or towards).” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/leans%20%28toward%20or%20towards%29. Accessed 23 Apr. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
