leaning

noun

lean·​ing ˈlē-niŋ How to pronounce leaning (audio)
: a definite but not decisive attraction or tendency
often used in plural
radical leanings
Choose the Right Synonym for leaning

leaning, propensity, proclivity, penchant mean a strong instinct or liking for something.

leaning suggests a liking or attraction not strong enough to be decisive or uncontrollable.

a student with artistic leanings

propensity implies a deeply ingrained and usually irresistible inclination.

a propensity to offer advice

proclivity suggests a strong natural proneness usually to something objectionable or evil.

a proclivity for violence

penchant implies a strongly marked taste in the person or an irresistible attraction in the object.

a penchant for taking risks

Examples of leaning in a Sentence

the news media are often accused of having liberal leanings despite what his athletic leanings might suggest, he was actually a very lazy kid
Recent Examples on the Web
These examples are automatically compiled from online sources to illustrate current usage. Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Contra Despite the electorate’s increasingly Democratic leanings, Republicans hold a supermajority in both chambers of the legislature, giving it the power to override Democratic Gov. Roy Cooper’s vetoes. Sara Dorn, Forbes, 4 Nov. 2024 Officials fear Trump would base his decisions on whether to approve aid on a state’s political leanings — for instance, by denying assistance to California or Washington while approving money to states where his reelection campaign had strong support. Alex Wigglesworth, Los Angeles Times, 31 Oct. 2024 There was also a stark divide in the political leanings of these states: 25 out of the 26 were Republican. Nina Turner, Newsweek, 31 Oct. 2024 How word choices reflect our political leanings People can live in very different linguistic worlds, depending on their political leanings and media environment, Holliday explains in this video. Kelso Harper, Scientific American, 2 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for leaning 

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of leaning was in the 15th century

Dictionary Entries Near leaning

Cite this Entry

“Leaning.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/leaning. Accessed 18 Nov. 2024.

Kids Definition

leaning

noun
lean·​ing
ˈlē-niŋ

More from Merriam-Webster on leaning

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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