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
While seemingly innocuous, such interactions could reveal personal insights like political or religious leanings, health concerns, or other intimate details. Jason Snyder, Forbes, 11 Jan. 2025 Though Meta employees have expressed discontent with Kaplan’s Republican leanings, the Times also noted that his appointment was seen as a move to strengthen the company’s standing with the incoming administration. James Factora, Them, 10 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
  • That’s a passion that Hughes, who was originally named to the Team USA roster but withdrew at the last minute due to what’s reportedly an oblique injury, shares.
    Thomas Drance, The Athletic, 19 Feb. 2025
  • Cubs right-hander Javier Assad and infielder Matt Shaw progressing from oblique injuries Javier Assad isn’t quite sure how the injury occurred.
    LaMond Pope, Chicago Tribune, 17 Feb. 2025
Noun
  • The cherry-picking, though, goes in the other direction.
    Justice delos Santos, The Mercury News, 19 Feb. 2025
  • Classes at the campus will be offered in English, with the main three-year courses offered for areas such as fashion design, fashion management, fashion product, fashion styling and creative direction, in addition to special programs dedicated to interior design and fragrances and cosmetics.
    Sandra Salibian, WWD, 19 Feb. 2025
Noun
  • Beyond The Basics Successful investing requires mastering behavioral tendencies, and effective retirement planning demands a clear view of your financial reality.
    Wayne Anderman, Forbes, 28 Feb. 2025
  • And so, your natural tendency to believe that everyone is operating in good faith takes a real beating.
    Hazlitt, Hazlitt, 27 Feb. 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
  • Use curiosity to guide problem-solving instead of relying on control.
    Dr. Diane Hamilton, Forbes, 4 Jan. 2025
  • Los Angeles’ offense has condensed into relying more on James, Davis and Reaves, with no better example than against Atlanta.
    Jovan Buha, The Athletic, 4 Jan. 2025
Noun
  • The ceremony also turned the tide for Conclave, a co-production made with funding from both the United States and the United Kingdom, with Best Film, Outstanding British Film, and Best Adapted Screenplay awards.
    Joey Nolfi, EW.com, 16 Feb. 2025
  • According to the World Health Organization, drowning is the third leading cause of accidental death worldwide, and rip tides and strong currents pose a greater risk to beachgoers than sharks.
    Rick Sobey, Boston Herald, 13 Feb. 2025
Noun
  • Regardless of one’s political affiliation or inclinations, now is the time to institutionalize sweeping changes in public management.
    Jerry Haar, Baltimore Sun, 19 Feb. 2025
  • By asking for the right deliverables, the Trump administration can strongly reinforce this inclination.
    Vanda Felbab-Brown, Foreign Affairs, 17 Feb. 2025
Noun
  • As the crew collaborates with locals to fabricate a trend, unexpected connections blossom while a pervasive health crisis looms unacknowledged in the background.
    Anthony D'Alessandro, Deadline, 27 Feb. 2025
  • On top of that, the latest report shows a worrying trend: The market’s momentum leader could be slowing down.
    Fred Imbert, CNBC, 27 Feb. 2025

Cite this Entry

“Leaning.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/leaning. Accessed 4 Mar. 2025.

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