1
as in tendencies
a prevailing or general movement or inclination
the news media are often accused of having liberal leanings
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
2
as in inclinations
a habitual attraction to some activity or thing
despite what his athletic leanings might suggest, he was actually a very lazy kid
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of leanings
The artists said they weren't initially made aware of the event's political leanings when signing onto the program.
—
Michelle Del Rey,
USA Today,
29 June 2026
In other instances, when people have remarked on his literary leanings, Brooks has demurred.
—
Adrienne Lafrance,
The Atlantic,
28 June 2026
Vermeer’s family may have had Remonstrant leanings, too.
—
Clare Bucknell,
Harpers Magazine,
23 June 2026
In recent years, even states that have skewed more conservative in their political leanings, such as Missouri, Nebraska, and Florida, have voted overwhelmingly to increase their minimum wage to $15 an hour.
—
Paxton Honerkamp,
CNBC,
21 June 2026
Trump has long invoked the term against a range of political opponents, including peaceful protesters without anarchist-leanings.
—
ABC News,
16 June 2026
There have been no in-depth conversations or leanings as to Rogers’ preferred destination.
—
Mario Cortegana,
New York Times,
3 June 2026
During that period of time, the majority of American journalists worked for newspapers with definite political leanings, and many newspapers were started by the parties themselves.
—
Encyclopedia Britannica,
26 May 2026
Bishop Eckman says this resurgence is not a political movement and the new Catholics are right-wing, left-wing and in the middle — driven by their heart rather than their political leanings.
—
Andy Sheehan,
CBS News,
26 May 2026
Michelle Del Rey,
USA Today,
29 June 2026
In other instances, when people have remarked on his literary leanings, Brooks has demurred.
—
Adrienne Lafrance,
The Atlantic,
28 June 2026
Vermeer’s family may have had Remonstrant leanings, too.
—
Clare Bucknell,
Harpers Magazine,
23 June 2026
In recent years, even states that have skewed more conservative in their political leanings, such as Missouri, Nebraska, and Florida, have voted overwhelmingly to increase their minimum wage to $15 an hour.
—
Paxton Honerkamp,
CNBC,
21 June 2026
Trump has long invoked the term against a range of political opponents, including peaceful protesters without anarchist-leanings.
—
ABC News,
16 June 2026
There have been no in-depth conversations or leanings as to Rogers’ preferred destination.
—
Mario Cortegana,
New York Times,
3 June 2026
During that period of time, the majority of American journalists worked for newspapers with definite political leanings, and many newspapers were started by the parties themselves.
—
Encyclopedia Britannica,
26 May 2026
Bishop Eckman says this resurgence is not a political movement and the new Catholics are right-wing, left-wing and in the middle — driven by their heart rather than their political leanings.
—
Andy Sheehan,
CBS News,
26 May 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for leanings
Noun
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The same tendencies people are routinely told to correct are, in moderate form, closely tied to a busier, more exploratory style of thinking than most self-improvement advice accounts for.
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Plath shows up in Dederer’s book about (mostly) men who make great art and live monstrous lives (and what to do with them), but only as a woman who turns her violent tendencies against herself.
Noun
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Getty Choosing a college major has always been a big life decision, influenced by not only personal inclinations and talents, but also by starting salaries.
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There were inclinations to not fully believe in their capabilities against Argentina.
Noun
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In fact, 72% of Gen Z look to social media for food and drink-focused wellness trends, according to 2025 data shared with CNBC by food & beverages analytics firm Datassentials.
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The American Culture Quiz is a weekly test of our unique national traits, trends, history and people — including current events and the sights and sounds of the United States.
Noun
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For this class, the premise is that your purpose in life lies to the intersection of your values, your aptitudes and your interests.
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This model reflects Japan’s long-standing corporate culture, which prioritizes new hires for their general potential—their aptitudes and aspirations, as opposed to their current skill sets or university majors—and then trains them on the job.
Noun
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The tides can often change very quickly in the automotive world.
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Over decades, the tides shift surrounding sand while marine life, like algae, grows over the device, camouflaging it into the natural ocean environment.
Noun
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In her memoir, Andrews mentions that her children briefly attended UCLA Lab School and that Joanna had affinities for horseback riding and reading.
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Spanish society has always had a relatively high tolerance for Latin American immigrants, who speak the local language and share certain cultural affinities.
Noun
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Gunfire rang out into the vehicle until both men eventually ran away in opposite directions.
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Mercury stations retrograde in Cancer in your 3rd House of Communication, making texts, directions, calls, errands, and local plans easier to misread.
Cite this Entry
“Leanings.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/leanings. Accessed 5 Jul. 2026.
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