1
as in to tilt
to set or cause to be at an angle
just lean the ladder against the tree and climb up it
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in skinny
having a noticeably small amount of body fat
all of the marathoners are extremely lean
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
as in slope
the degree to which something rises up from a position level with the horizon
the wall has enough of a lean that we can't set a bookcase against it
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of lean
Christina Shepherd McGuire, PEOPLE, 15 June 2026
While half the country spent the weekend complaining about America 250 and throwing a tantrum over UFC at the White House lawn, NASCAR chose to lean into it.
—Zach Dean Outkick, FOXNews.com, 15 June 2026
Ryan MacAsero, Mercury News, 12 June 2026
The decision to close for two years was the coup de grâce, after which the already lean staff was subjected to layoffs, reportedly in the double digits.
—Jessica Gelt, Los Angeles Times, 12 June 2026
Adam Williams
may 24, New Atlas, 24 May 2026
The company’s public framing leans so heavily on markets as an early proving ground.
—Lyssanoel Frater, USA Today, 8 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for lean
Verb
This distortion-free mirror can be mounted to the back of a door, like in a bathroom, or leaned against a wall, offering a varied aesthetic.
—Christina Shepherd McGuire, PEOPLE, 15 June 2026
While half the country spent the weekend complaining about America 250 and throwing a tantrum over UFC at the White House lawn, NASCAR chose to lean into it.
—Zach Dean Outkick, FOXNews.com, 15 June 2026
Adjective
While the budget is technically balanced, maintains funding for most city services, and avoids layoffs among an already lean staff, the fiscal outlook remains fragile as local revenues slow due to cooling economic conditions and rising inflation.
—Ryan MacAsero, Mercury News, 12 June 2026
The decision to close for two years was the coup de grâce, after which the already lean staff was subjected to layoffs, reportedly in the double digits.
—Jessica Gelt, Los Angeles Times, 12 June 2026
Noun
Case in point is the Koala Bear, which embraces the roots of the small living movement and leans into its strength as a portable home for one or two modern nomads.
—Adam Williams
may 24, New Atlas, 24 May 2026
The company’s public framing leans so heavily on markets as an early proving ground.
—Lyssanoel Frater, USA Today, 8 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for lean
Recent Examples of Synonyms for lean
Verb
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Only six minutes into this match, New Zealand has scored to take a 1-0 lead and temporarily quiet what had been a raucous crowd tilted toward the Iranian team.—
Andrew Greif,
NBC news,
16 June 2026
-
Balancing comedy and dread is a delicate thing; tilt either way and the moment becomes camp.—
Stephen Rodrick,
Rolling Stone,
16 June 2026
Verb
-
Supreme Court decisions that tend to come out in June.—
Editorial Board,
Washington Post,
16 June 2026
-
With wellness travel booming, family-friendly options at this price point tend to fill up quickly, especially during summer months when Maine’s lakes and trails are at their peak.—
Hanna Wickes,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
16 June 2026
Verb
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Her aim is to reroute individuals from relying on the approval of the people and systems outside to instead deepening our relationships with ourselves and our community in ways that are more fulfilling.—
Lorinda Toledo,
Los Angeles Times,
15 June 2026
-
Gökşeven said at the press conference that performing in near-total darkness forced him to rely on voice, posture and shadow to convey emotion, calling it a great gift for an actor.—
Naman Ramachandran,
Variety,
15 June 2026
Adjective
-
Look just below the pot section of the Big Dipper for three dimmer stars forming a skinny triangle that allegedly outline the Big Bear’s head.—
Mike Lynch,
Twin Cities,
14 June 2026
-
Let’s be honest, not everyone loves shorts, and structured, straight or skinny pants are too restricting.—
Gabrielle Porcaro,
Travel + Leisure,
13 June 2026
Noun
-
Giant agaves, lomandra, aeoniums, aloes, blue grasses and sages covered the slope from the house to the pool.—
Nicole Sours Larson,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
13 June 2026
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The observation from the slope of the Tonga Trench is nearly 700 meters deeper than this species was known to live.—
Mark Osborne,
CBS News,
12 June 2026
Verb
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For example, using geometry and the longitudinal position of the home, the team angled the awning over the windows in the main living space so shade falls in front of the house in summer and moves deep into the living area in winter to heat the polished concrete floor.—
Noah Daly,
Idaho Statesman,
13 June 2026
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But his clash with Ciryl Gane of France is for just an interim title because Tom Aspinall, the division’s undisputed champion, is injured and angling for a new deal.—
Mark Puleo,
New York Times,
13 June 2026
Verb
-
Each membership gives you access to Big Think in a slightly different way, depending on the platform.—
Big Think,
Big Think,
18 June 2026
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The tie breakers depend on points, goal difference, goals scored, team conduct score and FIFA world ranking, according to FIFA.—
Amna Subhan,
AJC.com,
18 June 2026
Adjective
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Specifically saying these white, thin, traditionally feminine bodies are not just aspirational but symbols of morality, tradition, purity.—
Ryan Coleman,
Entertainment Weekly,
15 June 2026
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This game isn't in Las Vegas, this is in Sacramento, so the thin air that carried the ball out of the park the past few days is not a factor.—
David Troy OutKick,
FOXNews.com,
15 June 2026
Cite this Entry
“Lean.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/lean. Accessed 19 Jun. 2026.
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