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

Examples 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
Given Kennedy’s anti-vaccination stance and conspiratorial leanings, some policy experts and former government officials are concerned about how his views could shape the nation’s health agenda. Emily Mullin, WIRED, 31 Oct. 2024 Topline Vice President Kamala Harris and former President Donald Trump are nearly tied in all seven swing states less than a week before Election Day—where they’re tasked with courting a diverse coalition of voters with unique priorities and shifting political leanings. Sara Dorn, Forbes, 30 Oct. 2024
Verb
The study also detected a trend of Jews leaning away from their identities, with as many as 31 percent of characters embracing other cultures over their own. Seth Abramovitch, The Hollywood Reporter, 10 Dec. 2024 Beyond country clubs, the Mangione family owned the conservative-leaning radio station WCBM, per The New York Times. Jordana Comiter, People.com, 10 Dec. 2024 See all Example Sentences for leaning 
Recent Examples of Synonyms for leaning
Adjective
  • Quarterback Derek Carr, sidelined for three games in October because of an oblique injury, has played well in consecutive victories over the Atlanta Falcons and Browns.
    Gary Klein, Los Angeles Times, 30 Nov. 2024
  • Injuries to several key players have hampered their production, including Nick Bosa missing the end of the Seattle game with a new oblique injury.
    Pueng Vongs, The Mercury News, 23 Nov. 2024
Noun
  • Stock-Market Outlook One area of increasing uncertainty is the direction of stock prices for employees with equity compensation and holdings of company shares.
    Bruce Brumberg, Forbes, 3 Dec. 2024
  • For now, the direction of that relationship isn’t even understood, Paes adds.
    Sarah Klein, TIME, 2 Dec. 2024
Noun
  • The mines also generate mountains of hazardous waste, stored behind dams that have a terrifying tendency to fail.
    Vince Beiser, WIRED, 30 Nov. 2024
  • The tendency to ignore the intersection of race, ethnicity, gender and age has potentially obscured essential differences in how health is maintained and undermines efforts to eliminate health disparities.
    Sheila Callaham, Forbes, 27 Nov. 2024
Verb
  • After such a tumultuous day, the Rangers deserve credit for tending to the task at hand on the ice on Friday.
    Carol Schram, Forbes, 7 Dec. 2024
  • After such a tumultuous day, the Rangers deserve credit for tending to the task at hand on the ice on Friday.
    Carol Schram, Forbes, 7 Dec. 2024
Verb
  • The shutdown exposed serious risks around relying solely on external manufacturing.
    Dave Knox, Forbes, 11 Dec. 2024
  • Pepperdine University’s Malibu campus lost power, with some buildings relying on generator power.
    Hanna Park, Robert Shackelford and Mary Gilbert, CNN, 11 Dec. 2024
Noun
  • Williams’ 92-yard pick six turned the tide in the first half when the Seahawks were trailing by two touchdowns, and his two sacks of quarterback Aaron Rodgers on the Jets’ final drive were among the biggest plays in Seattle’s third consecutive victory.
    Michael-Shawn Dugar, The Athletic, 2 Dec. 2024
  • By creating a splashy, distinct campaign that feels intrinsic to their mission, Glide ensures their message doesn’t get lost in the tide of appeals flooding inboxes on Giving Tuesday.
    Alexander Puutio, Forbes, 30 Nov. 2024
Noun
  • If so, keep in mind that this is happening to remind you of your adaptability and the natural inclination to take action that’s been suppressed for far too long.
    Meghan Rose, Glamour, 1 Dec. 2024
  • The United States is the primary nation of its kind with the capability, and until recently the inclination to fulfill the promise made on the pedestal of the Statue of Liberty.
    Letters to the Editor, Orlando Sentinel, 30 Nov. 2024
Noun
  • Looking forward, the social worker isn't sure how the lookalike trend will pan out, especially for women.
    Zoey Lyttle, People.com, 29 Nov. 2024
  • While sparkle and grandeur will always have their place in holiday décor, this Christmas, the trend leans toward something altogether more serene: hygge, the Danish concept of comfort and cosiness.
    Kate Hardcastle, Forbes, 29 Nov. 2024

Cite this Entry

“Leaning.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/leaning. Accessed 13 Dec. 2024.

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