LEAN Synonyms: 158 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: How does the adjective 'lean' contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of lean are gaunt , lanky , lank , rawboned , scrawny , skinny , and spare . While all these words mean "thin because of an absence of excess flesh," lean stresses lack of fat and of curving contours. // a lean racehorse

Q: When is 'gaunt' a more appropriate choice than 'lean'?

The words gaunt and lean can be used in similar contexts, but gaunt implies marked thinness or emaciation as from overwork or suffering. // a prisoner's gaunt face

Q: When is it sensible to use 'lank' instead of 'lean'?

The words lank and lean are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, lank implies tallness as well as leanness. // the lank legs of the heron

Q: When would 'lanky' be a good substitute for 'lean'?

The synonyms lanky and lean are sometimes interchangeable, but lanky suggests awkwardness and loose-jointedness as well as thinness. // a lanky youth, all arms and legs

Q: In what contexts can 'rawboned' take the place of 'lean'?

The meanings of rawboned and lean largely overlap; however, rawboned suggests a large ungainly build without implying undernourishment. // a rawboned farmer

Q: How do 'scrawny' and 'skinny' relate to one another, in the sense of 'lean'?

Both scrawny and skinny imply an extreme leanness that suggests deficient strength and vitality. // a scrawny chicken // skinny street urchins

Q: When could 'spare' be used to replace 'lean'?

While the synonyms spare and lean are close in meaning, spare suggests leanness from abstemious living or constant exercise. // the gymnast's spare figure

lean 1 of 3

verb

ˈlēn

Definition of lean next

as in to tilt

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

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

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as in to tend

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

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as in to rely

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

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lean

2 of 3

adjective

as in skinny

having a noticeably small amount of body fat all of the marathoners are extremely lean

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lean

3 of 3

noun

as in slope

the degree to which something rises up from a position level with the horizon the wall has enough of a lean that we can't set a bookcase against it

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

How does the adjective lean contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of lean are gaunt, lanky, lank, rawboned, scrawny, skinny, and spare. While all these words mean "thin because of an absence of excess flesh," lean stresses lack of fat and of curving contours.

a lean racehorse

When is gaunt a more appropriate choice than lean?

The words gaunt and lean can be used in similar contexts, but gaunt implies marked thinness or emaciation as from overwork or suffering.

a prisoner's gaunt face

When is it sensible to use lank instead of lean?

The words lank and lean are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, lank implies tallness as well as leanness.

the lank legs of the heron

When would lanky be a good substitute for lean?

The synonyms lanky and lean are sometimes interchangeable, but lanky suggests awkwardness and loose-jointedness as well as thinness.

a lanky youth, all arms and legs

In what contexts can rawboned take the place of lean?

The meanings of rawboned and lean largely overlap; however, rawboned suggests a large ungainly build without implying undernourishment.

a rawboned farmer

How do scrawny and skinny relate to one another, in the sense of lean?

Both scrawny and skinny imply an extreme leanness that suggests deficient strength and vitality.

a scrawny chicken

skinny street urchins

When could spare be used to replace lean?

While the synonyms spare and lean are close in meaning, spare suggests leanness from abstemious living or constant exercise.

the gymnast's spare figure

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 lean

Verb

Under his direction, the company has leaned into nostalgic marketing and celebrity partnerships to reclaim cultural relevance. —

Gabrielle Fonrouge, CNBC, 21 Nov. 2024 In a chic throwback photo the British reality competition series shared on Instagram, the series judge, 84, casually leans across a bar top, wearing a long elegant gown, extravagant earrings and beehive-style hair. —

Charna Flam, People.com, 20 Nov. 2024

Adjective

In time, the company would trade on the New York Stock Exchange in 1927 and, thanks to its lean operations and stock repurchases, would become a favorite of a young Warren Buffett. —

Greg McKenna, Fortune, 26 Nov. 2024 The classic Sloppy Joe is made with lean ground beef blended with savory onions, tomatoes and bell peppers. —

Cheryl V. Jackson, The Indianapolis Star, 12 Nov. 2024

Noun

Harris leads Trump 48% to 45% in Minnesota, a surprisingly narrow showing considering the longtime blue lean of the North Star State and her running mate, Tim Walz, currently serving as the state’s governor. —

Forbestv, Forbes, 29 Oct. 2024 Utah's statewide races don't tend to be nail-biters given its Republican lean, but these local contests tell a different story. —

Kim Bojórquez, Axios, 18 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for lean

Recent Examples of Synonyms for lean

Verb

The Earth is tilted approximately 23.5 degrees on its axis.

Olivia Munson, USA TODAY, 27 Nov. 2024
This feature was a key factor in the most recent accident in October, when a Japanese self-defense forces Osprey abruptly tilted and struck the ground during takeoff.

Dan Perry, Newsweek, 26 Nov. 2024