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.
As one of the most celebrated rappers of his generation, Kendrick Lamar has someone to lean on during all of the successes and hard times. Lea Veloso, StyleCaster, 9 Feb. 2025 These youngsters should be leaning on the senior players for support and guidance in games of this magnitude, not the other way around. Jay Harris, The Athletic, 7 Feb. 2025 Burton leaned on Chase, Higgins and receivers coach Troy Walters. Charlie Goldsmith, The Enquirer, 4 Feb. 2025 McDonald’s Shamrock Shake Source: McDonald’s McDonald’s is leaning on customers’ nostalgia for its McDonaldland characters to spur sales of its Shamrock Shake. Amelia Lucas, CNBC, 4 Feb. 2025 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

Dictionary Entries Near lean on

Cite this Entry

“Lean on.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/lean%20on. Accessed 16 Feb. 2025.

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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