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
That’s not terribly surprising, given all the C-suite criticism of the state’s often pro-consumer leanings. Jonathan Lansner, Orange County Register, 14 Nov. 2024 Recent stops have included not only Albuquerque but also Madison Square Garden in New York and a rally in Coachella, California—both states with solid Democratic leanings. Shamim Chowdhury, Newsweek, 1 Nov. 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
  • Despite missing both of their top scorers — Paolo Banchero and Franz Wagner — due to oblique injuries, the Magic mucked the game up early and often.
    Kristian Winfield, New York Daily News, 15 Dec. 2024
  • Arch stepped in and started three games this season when Quinn Ewers got hurt and missed time with an oblique injury.
    Ryan Canfield, Fox News, 12 Dec. 2024
Noun
  • The alignment of the stones corresponds with the direction of the southernmost moonrise.
    Carlie Procell, USA TODAY, 14 Dec. 2024
  • But her official team online, known as Taylor Nation, used its social media accounts to point fans in the direction of a new section on Swift’s website that’s dedicated to archiving material across eras.
    Ashley Iasimone, Billboard, 14 Dec. 2024
Noun
  • Over his years on Days, Clyde committed murder, rape, and blackmail, displayed both homophobic and misogynistic tendencies, was thrown in and busted out of prison, and ran a drug ring.
    Ryan Coleman, EW.com, 12 Dec. 2024
  • The High Performer's Dilemma: A Focus on Gaps High achievers, particularly perfectionists, thrive on results and continuous improvement, which can lead to a tendency to dwell too long on shortcomings.
    Luciana Paulise, Forbes, 12 Dec. 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
  • These types of applications allow workers to follow step-by-step instructions directly in their field of view, eliminating the need for flipping through bulky manuals or relying on supervisors for routine tasks.
    Georg Beyschlag, Forbes, 11 Dec. 2024
  • Developers are no longer relying on gut feelings or trial and error to push new features live.
    Dan Rogers, Forbes, 11 Dec. 2024
Noun
  • Despite the continuously changing tides of healthcare over the last 50 years, innovation in the retail and consumer pharmacy spaces has been slightly more measured.
    Dr. Sai Balasubramanian, M.D., J.D., Forbes, 13 Dec. 2024
  • There have been hints of an ebb in the tide of corporatization.
    Dhruv Khullar, The New Yorker, 12 Dec. 2024
Noun
  • Credit card rewards function as a tax on those without credit cards and those with credit cards but without the ability or inclination to keep up with the panoply of options.
    David G.W. Birch, Forbes, 18 Dec. 2024
  • Hegseth himself has not shown any inclination toward a withdrawal.
    Ashleigh Fields, The Hill, 15 Dec. 2024
Noun
  • The question came up in the two co-hosts's conversation on micro-weddings, a trend that is gaining speed due to the high costs associated with the occasion.
    Rachel Raposas, People.com, 11 Dec. 2024
  • While the search for job opportunities in Switzerland is the fastest-growing trend in the U.S. with a 315% increase in demand in 2024, according to Jobseeker.
    Celia Fernandez, CNBC, 11 Dec. 2024

Cite this Entry

“Leaning.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/leaning. Accessed 21 Dec. 2024.

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