leaning

noun

lean·​ing ˈlē-niŋ How to pronounce leaning (audio)
: 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.
Given Kennedy’s anti-vaccination stance and conspiratorial leanings, some policy experts and former government officials are concerned about how his views could shape the nation’s health agenda. Emily Mullin, WIRED, 31 Oct. 2024 Topline Vice President Kamala Harris and former President Donald Trump are nearly tied in all seven swing states less than a week before Election Day—where they’re tasked with courting a diverse coalition of voters with unique priorities and shifting political leanings. Sara Dorn, Forbes, 30 Oct. 2024 The district is known for its left leanings, driven by its young median age of 34, with Millennials and Generation Z making up 48% of the district’s voting bloc. Suha Musa, TIME, 29 Oct. 2024 Not in communion with the Catholic Church's teaching Thompson said the diversity also extends to Catholics' political leanings. Ivan Pereira, ABC News, 27 Oct. 2024 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

Dictionary Entries Near leaning

Cite this Entry

“Leaning.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/leaning. Accessed 22 Nov. 2024.

Kids Definition

leaning

noun
lean·​ing
ˈlē-niŋ

More from Merriam-Webster on leaning

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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