lean on

verb

leaned on; leaning on; leans on

transitive verb

: to apply pressure to
They were leaning on the governor to pass the law.

Examples of lean on in a Sentence

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.
The Seahawks leaned on a collective pass rush rather than one dominant star, finishing the season as one of the league’s more effective defensive fronts. Jackson Thompson Outkick, FOXNews.com, 30 Apr. 2026 Wall Street bankers have been known to lean on Adderall and other stimulants to be more productive, while Silicon Valley executives microdose on ketamine or use psychedelics to be more creative. Jessica Guynn, USA Today, 28 Apr. 2026 The founders lean on 12 agents baked into daily operations. Mukund Jha, Fortune, 28 Apr. 2026 The Royals will lean on infielders Michael Massey and Nick Loftin at the keystone position. Jaylon Thompson, Kansas City Star, 28 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for lean on

Word History

First Known Use

circa 1960, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of lean on was circa 1960

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Cite this Entry

“Lean on.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/lean%20on. Accessed 1 May. 2026.

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