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.
Then there was Felix Olivero, wearing a purple Argentina jersey and matching hat, leaning on his crutches under the hot sun on the scorching blacktop of a Hard Rock parking lot. Anthony Chiang, Miami Herald, 4 July 2026 Keith, who spent many early mornings designing the house and fine-tuning the plans, leaned on skylights to bring in daylight. David Caraccio updated July 4, Sacbee.com, 4 July 2026 About twenty men packed the space, leaning on shoulders and crowding the wall. The New Yorker, New Yorker, 4 July 2026 The player contacted Canada coach Jesse Marsch, who leaned on the prime minister to expedite Alfie Jones’ passport application. Mark Zeigler, San Diego Union-Tribune, 4 July 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 5 Jul. 2026.

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