leaning

noun

lean·​ing ˈlē-niŋ 

: a definite but not decisive attraction or tendency

—often used in plural

radical leanings

Synonyms

• current
• direction
• drift
• run
• tendency
• tide
• trend
• wind

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

Wang, the professor at Renmin University, said whatever their ideological leanings, Trump’s cabinet picks will ultimately have to comply with his vision. —Nectar Gan, CNN, 29 Nov. 2024

The comic also planned a joke about Kamala Harris that could potentially be a serious turnoff to many women, no matter their political leanings. —Martha Ross, The Mercury News, 28 Oct. 2024

Burge also noted that cultural ties outside of one's religion have factored in individual leanings of certain Catholic groups. —Ivan Pereira, ABC News, 27 Oct. 2024

Gaga’s love of old-school, bad-boy masculinity has occasionally seemed at odds with her progressive feminist leanings. —Kristen S. Hé, Vulture, 25 Oct. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

leaning

noun

lean·​ing

ˈlē-niŋ

: tendency sense 2, inclination