leaning 1 of 3

as in oblique
running in a slanting direction the leaning tower of Pisa is a popular tourist attraction in Italy

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

leaning

2 of 3

noun

leaning

3 of 3

verb

present participle of lean

Synonym Chooser

How does the noun leaning contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of leaning are penchant, proclivity, and propensity. While all these words 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

When might penchant be a better fit than leaning?

In some situations, the words penchant and leaning are roughly equivalent. However, penchant implies a strongly marked taste in the person or an irresistible attraction in the object.

a penchant for taking risks

When is proclivity a more appropriate choice than leaning?

The words proclivity and leaning can be used in similar contexts, but proclivity suggests a strong natural proneness usually to something objectionable or evil.

a proclivity for violence

In what contexts can propensity take the place of leaning?

The meanings of propensity and leaning largely overlap; however, propensity implies a deeply ingrained and usually irresistible inclination.

a propensity to offer advice

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 leaning
Noun
Guerrero also addressed other issues facing the courts in California, expressing dismay that some members of the public have come to believe that decisions are made because of the justices’ political leanings. Sharon Bernstein, Sacramento Bee, 16 Jan. 2025 Thinking more about protecting your credit from crooks makes sense no matter your political leanings. Susan Tompor, USA TODAY, 1 Mar. 2025
Verb
Another forward-looking approach comes from, of all places, the right-leaning government of Italy. Amy Pope, Foreign Affairs, 7 Jan. 2025 Multiple heavyweights are going to declare in Fall of 2026, so why not get a jump on them and have the Left-leaning media all to yourself? Josh Hammer, Newsweek, 24 Dec. 2024 See All Example Sentences for leaning
Recent Examples of Synonyms for leaning
Adjective
  • Utility man Romy Gonzalez, who suffered a minor oblique injury last week, is also expected to be ready by Opening Day.
    Mac Cerullo, Boston Herald, 26 Mar. 2025
  • But Jeff McNeil’s oblique injury and Nick Madrigal’s shoulder surgery opened up two infield spots.
    Abbey Mastracco, New York Daily News, 26 Mar. 2025
Noun
  • The pendulum, which swung far toward inclusion in the wake of George Floyd’s murder in 2020, is now swinging back in full force in the opposite direction.
    Doug Melville, Forbes.com, 28 Mar. 2025
  • Gonzalez joined the weightlifting team beginning in her junior season and excelled under the direction of coach Heidi Bowser.
    Alex Kushel, Sun Sentinel, 28 Mar. 2025
Noun
  • This inherent human tendency, which already harms people and society in an analog setting, is exacerbated by the circumstances of today's world.
    Cornelia C. Walther, Forbes, 22 Mar. 2025
  • It's thought that morning people act with more awareness because of their tendency to sleep better and have less fatigue or inattention.
    Thomas G. Moukawsher, Newsweek, 21 Mar. 2025
Verb
  • The trailer for With Love, Meghan was released two weeks ahead of the show's premiere and features the Duchess performing a number of activities from tending to a beehive to arranging flowers at a shop and hosting a mix of friends and celebrity guests.
    Rebecca Aizin, People.com, 3 Jan. 2025
  • The trailer for With Love, Meghan was released two weeks ahead of the show's premiere and features the Duchess performing a number of activities from tending to a beehive to arranging flowers at a shop and hosting a mix of friends and celebrity guests.
    Rebecca Aizin, People.com, 3 Jan. 2025
Verb
  • Heightened by the absence of Klay Thompson’s floor-spacing, Curry has been facing kitchen-sink defenses and relying on role players to relieve the building pressure.
    Marcus Thompson II, The Athletic, 4 Jan. 2025
  • Use curiosity to guide problem-solving instead of relying on control.
    Dr. Diane Hamilton, Forbes, 4 Jan. 2025
Noun
  • Following the action on television and feel the tide is about to turn in the favor of one side?
    Thomas G. Moukawsher, Newsweek, 21 Mar. 2025
  • The Cavaliers quickly turned the tide, responding with a 14-2 run to take an 88-87 lead.
    Jason Anderson, Sacramento Bee, 20 Mar. 2025
Noun
  • The report cites a growing consumer inclination toward advanced lip care solutions, and effective alternatives to traditional lip balms and glosses.
    Dahvi Shira, Forbes, 17 Mar. 2025
  • But several other populist Trump allies who have shown no inclination to leave power have made their judiciaries a central target.
    Graham Underwood, arkansasonline.com, 17 Mar. 2025
Noun
  • But as diffusers and candles have grown in popularity, the trend has started to come home.
    Susan Campos, The Hollywood Reporter, 23 Mar. 2025
  • When Myrick’s home came with a barn door in the primary bathroom, her dislike for the trend heightened.
    Lauren Jones, Southern Living, 23 Mar. 2025

Cite this Entry

“Leaning.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/leaning. Accessed 1 Apr. 2025.

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