leaning

noun

lean·​ing ˈlē-niŋ How to pronounce leaning (audio)
Synonyms of leaningnext
: a definite but not decisive attraction or tendency
—often used in plural
radical leanings

Synonyms

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Choose the Right Synonym for leaning

leaning, propensity, proclivity, penchant 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

propensity implies a deeply ingrained and usually irresistible inclination.

a propensity to offer advice

proclivity suggests a strong natural proneness usually to something objectionable or evil.

a proclivity for violence

penchant implies a strongly marked taste in the person or an irresistible attraction in the object.

a penchant for taking risks

Examples of leaning in a Sentence

the news media are often accused of having liberal leanings despite what his athletic leanings might suggest, he was actually a very lazy kid
Recent Examples on the Web
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.
Perhaps their leftward leanings lead them, like Tolstoy, to downplay the ability of individuals to alter their own fates. — Daniel Immerwahr, New Yorker, 4 Aug. 2025 But officials in Seminole, Lake and Osceola counties shouldn’t assume they’ll be spared by their political leanings. — Orlando Sentinel, The Orlando Sentinel, 26 July 2025 But despite Massie's libertarian leanings, presidential support for DeSantis, and occasional opposition to Trump's positions on political issues, he's stayed popular in the Bluegrass State. — Jolene Almendarez, The Enquirer, 2 July 2025 The candidate has harshly criticized Indian prime minister Narendra Modi, a Hindu with nationalist leanings who has taken a hard-line on Pakistan. — Steven Zeitchik, HollywoodReporter, 1 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for leaning

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of leaning was in the 15th century

Rhymes for leaning

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Browse Nearby Words

lean in
leaning
leaning tower
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Cite this Entry

“Leaning.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/leaning. Accessed 13 Aug. 2025.

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Kids Definition

leaning

noun
lean·​ing
ˈlē-niŋ
: tendency sense 2, inclination

More from Merriam-Webster on leaning

Nglish: Translation of leaning for Spanish Speakers

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