lean on

verb

leaned on; leaning on; leans on

transitive verb

: to apply pressure to
They were leaning on the governor to pass the law.

Examples of lean on in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
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.
After trying and failing to extort Ukraine for hundreds of billions of dollars worth of rare minerals, President Donald Trump is now leaning on Ukraine to surrender the 20% of its territory that Russia occupies. David Axe, Forbes, 20 Feb. 2025 For Nico and Malaika’s encounter, the film leans on a bit of rom-com charm. Lisa Kennedy, New York Times, 20 Feb. 2025 Long viewed as someone who can handle tough minutes, Dumoulin has been leaned on in that role and could be a solid flip, with a second-round choice (or better?) as a return. Eric Stephens, The Athletic, 20 Feb. 2025 Aaron has leaned on his brothers in the locker room. Troy Renck, Orlando Sentinel, 20 Feb. 2025 See All Example Sentences for lean on

Word History

First Known Use

circa 1960, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of lean on was circa 1960

Browse Nearby Entries

Cite this Entry

“Lean on.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/lean%20on. Accessed 27 Feb. 2025.

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!