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
Sinclair, the second largest owner of TV stations in the US, is also eager for more consolidation, and has gained a reputation for directing its local stations to cover the news with a POV more in line with Sinclair’s own conservative political leanings. Alex Cranz, WIRED, 21 Jan. 2025 But turn the conversation from names on the ballot to issues on his mind and his leanings are clear. Cnn.com Wire Service, The Mercury News, 19 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
  • Mayers was charged on Aug. 15, 2022, with two counts of assault with a semi-automatic firearm for allegedly firing a handgun in the direction of Terrell Ephron, whose professional name is A$AP Relli, during a confrontation.
    Deena Zaru, ABC News, 19 Feb. 2025
  • The cherry-picking, though, goes in the other direction.
    Justice delos Santos, The Mercury News, 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
  • Heightened by the absence of Klay Thompson’s floor-spacing, Curry has been facing kitchen-sink defenses and relying on role players to relieve the building pressure.
    Marcus Thompson II, The Athletic, 4 Jan. 2025
  • Use curiosity to guide problem-solving instead of relying on control.
    Dr. Diane Hamilton, Forbes, 4 Jan. 2025
Noun
  • The spiral structure of the cloud is believed to have emerged as a consequence of the Galactic tide—the gravitational influence of the surrounding Milky Way galaxy.
    Dan Perry, Newsweek, 28 Feb. 2025
  • President Donald Trump’s return to the White House has turned the tide in relations, however, as last week saw the first high-level sit-down talks between U.S. and Russian officials in years, looking to lay the groundwork for Ukraine peace talks.
    Holly Ellyatt, CNBC, 25 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 5 Mar. 2025.

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