LEANING Synonyms: 171 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

leaning 1 of 3

adjective

Definition of leaning next

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

ˈlē-niŋ

as in direction

a prevailing or general movement or inclination the news media are often accused of having liberal leanings

Synonyms & Similar Words

as in tendency

a habitual attraction to some activity or thing despite what his athletic leanings might suggest, he was actually a very lazy kid

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

leaning

3 of 3

verb

present participle of lean

as in tilting

to set or cause to be at an angle just lean the ladder against the tree and climb up it

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as in tending

to show a liking or proneness (for something) the family's diet leans toward greasy food

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in relying

to place reliance or trust you can always lean on me if you need help

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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

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Recent Examples of leaning

Noun

Madrasas emphasize Islamic theology, often with sectarian leanings, and Arabic, a language not widely spoken in Pakistan. —

Zia Ur-Rehman, New York Times, 3 Jan. 2025 However, Christmas is a holiday that comes with multiple interpretations, traditions and cultural leanings. —

Roya Backlund, StyleCaster, 3 Jan. 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

Orlando’s Franz Wagner would’ve been in play here, but his mid-December oblique injury has limited him to 25 games.

— Eric Koreen, The Athletic, 22 Jan. 2025
Bosa made the Pro Bowl this season, but had issues with oblique injuries, missed two games and had nine sacks — his fewest in a non-injury season since his rookie year.

— Jerry McDonald, The Mercury News, 18 Jan. 2025