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
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.
Ellison’s political leanings and close ties to Trump could explain why news of his FCC ask hasn’t triggered the usual Muslim-scare fare from folks like Arroyo. Lorraine Ali, Los Angeles Times, 30 Apr. 2026 By the 1980s, Baselitz’s profile began to expand beyond Germany, when he was exhibited in dialogue with figurative painters sharing his expressionist leanings, including Italy’s Sandro Chia and Francesco Clemente. Tessa Solomon, ARTnews.com, 30 Apr. 2026 Assembly Speaker Robert Rivas, D-Hollister, and budget writers in that chamber have not yet unveiled their own fiscal leanings for this year. Andrew Graham april 29, Sacbee.com, 29 Apr. 2026 In an era when the genre was dominated by bro-country clichés — add equal parts beer, truck and dirt road, stir and serve — Clark, McAnally and Osborne brought varied subject matter, richer emotional shadings and more cosmopolitan leanings. New York Times, 28 Apr. 2026 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

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Cite this Entry

“Leaning.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/leaning. Accessed 5 May. 2026.

Kids Definition

leaning

noun
lean·​ing
ˈlē-niŋ

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