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.
Their motivations included personal grudges, racial hatred and political leanings. — Clara Harter, Los Angeles Times, 13 Mar. 2025 So Far Though there isn’t data on the political leanings of family vloggers and parent influencers, the majority appear to be both religious and conservative, says Taylor Lorenz, an internet culture reporter and founder of User Mag, making Tennessee a more ideological fit than California. — Fortesa Latifi, Rolling Stone, 28 Feb. 2025 Compared to the two-party presidential vote results across the country, that would make Canada bluer than every state and trail only the District of Columbia in its Democratic leanings for president. — Geoffrey Skelley, ABC News, 26 Feb. 2025 They were sent to potential voters in key states from June 21, 2016, through July 1, 2016, tailored to the leanings of each personality group. — Corey G. Johnson, ProPublica, 5 Feb. 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 28 Mar. 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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