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
But that ideology’s continuing hold on the Southern states almost certainly plays a role in the region's political leanings. Robert E. May / Made By History, TIME, 19 Dec. 2024 During Monday’s episode, the Hot Topics panelists discussed a new real estate platform that allows potential homebuyers to view the political leanings of their future neighbors before making their big purchase. EW.com, 16 Dec. 2024
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
  • Orlando’s Franz Wagner would’ve been in play here, but his mid-December oblique injury has limited him to 25 games.
    Eric Koreen, The Athletic, 22 Jan. 2025
  • Bosa made the Pro Bowl this season, but had issues with oblique injuries, missed two games and had nine sacks — his fewest in a non-injury season since his rookie year.
    Jerry McDonald, The Mercury News, 18 Jan. 2025
Noun
  • This cooling happens more in a certain direction, the direction perpendicular to the beam's direction.
    Keith Cooper, Space.com, 25 Jan. 2025
  • What shines through loud and clear is the importance of the feelings of self-confidence and direction engendered by acquiring such wilderness skills and deploying them successfully.
    Alissa Simon, Variety, 25 Jan. 2025
Noun
  • There is an uncomfortable tendency in tennis to give male coaching teams the credit for their player’s success.
    Matthew Futterman, The Athletic, 23 Jan. 2025
  • While many artists of her generation were fascinated by similar themes, her work has repeatedly proven difficult to classify, conforming to no single movement or tendency.
    Alex Greenberger, ARTnews.com, 22 Jan. 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
  • Later in the morning, experts will take a look at the start-up landscape and the trajectory for global interest rates, while the afternoon will see a range of public figures consider the rise of economic nationalism, the future of healthcare and whether Latin America’s economic tide is turning.
    Sam Meredith,Chloe Taylor,Holly Ellyatt, CNBC, 22 Jan. 2025
  • Coulibaly cannot turn the tide of Leicester’s season alone, though.
    Rob Tanner, The Athletic, 16 Jan. 2025
Noun
  • The dark inclinations of Oh, Hi! are a welcome change to the modern rom-com formula, externalizing Iris’ millennial romantic anxiety into a full emotional breakdown.
    Jourdain Searles, The Hollywood Reporter, 29 Jan. 2025
  • In adolescence, those inclinations shifted toward the bohemia of the late-1960s art scene, and upon leaving home and going west, CalArts proved a sympathetic environment for his singular talents and personality.
    Guy Lodge, Variety, 27 Jan. 2025
Noun
  • Lawrence Dow | Digital sports reporter Lawrence covers a variety of sports news and trends, including the Texas Rangers.
    Amanda McCoy, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 22 Jan. 2025
  • Loaded cereal is a recent breakfast trend in which various toppings are added to everyday cereal.
    Sohaib Imtiaz, Verywell Health, 22 Jan. 2025

Cite this Entry

“Leaning.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/leaning. Accessed 1 Feb. 2025.

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