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

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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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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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as in relying

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

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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

During that period of time, the majority of American journalists worked for newspapers with definite political leanings, and many newspapers were started by the parties themselves. —

Encyclopedia Britannica, 26 May 2026 Bishop Eckman says this resurgence is not a political movement and the new Catholics are right-wing, left-wing and in the middle — driven by their heart rather than their political leanings. —

Andy Sheehan, CBS News, 26 May 2026

Verb

Vintage Mirrors Layered on Surfaces Instead of hanging every mirror, try leaning a smaller antique mirror on a console, vanity, or shelf behind other objects. —

Michelle Mastro, The Spruce, 20 June 2026 The sculpture depicts the cowboy leaning against a tree, a lasso in hand, and a somber or tired expression on his face. —

Olivia Young, CBS News, 19 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for leaning

Recent Examples of Synonyms for leaning

Adjective

Mayfield, who turned 31 in April, appeared on the Bucs’ injury report 10 out of 18 weeks with issues that spanned his foot, toe, knee, right biceps, oblique and right shoulder.

— Rick Stroud, The Orlando Sentinel, 21 June 2026
Altuve did not go on a minor-league rehab assignment before returning from his oblique injury.

— Chandler Rome, New York Times, 20 June 2026