leans 1 of 2

present tense third-person singular of lean
1
as in tilts
to set or cause to be at an angle just lean the ladder against the tree and climb up it

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2
as in tends
to show a liking or proneness (for something) the family's diet leans toward greasy food

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3

leans

2 of 2

noun

plural of lean
as in inclines
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

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Example Sentences

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.
Recent Examples of leans
Verb
Seeking stability, Emily leans into her French lifestyle, until a big secret threatens one of her closest relationships. Natalie Oganesyan, Deadline, 20 Sep. 2025 West Elm’s flax linen curtain set also leans more pared back, but the valance detailing gives it a little extra oomph. Audrey Lee, Architectural Digest, 19 Sep. 2025 This week, Cardi B makes a bold return, Miley Cyrus taps rock icons Lindsay Buckingham and Mick Fleetwood for a soulful peace offering, and Lola Young leans into her messy chaos. Rolling Stone, 19 Sep. 2025 In his video, Rebandt also leans into other culture war issues, laying out his anti-transgender stance and claiming over footage of a Black Lives Matter protest that police are currently being targeted. Clara Hendrickson, Freep.com, 19 Sep. 2025 The 2025 edition leans into that spirit, bringing together a vibrant mix of artists who celebrate humour, satire, and the comic in their work. Lee Sharrock, Forbes.com, 19 Sep. 2025 It’s lacquered up with BBQ sauce that leans slightly sweet. Jessica Peralta, Oc Register, 19 Sep. 2025 After much cajoling and love, Wally finally leans forward to receive a kiss from her. Saman Shafiq, USA Today, 13 Sep. 2025 The design leans rustic (give or take a couple of Togo chairs), with moss green paneling, tartan upholstery, and wood beams running throughout. Elly Leavitt, Vogue, 12 Sep. 2025
Noun
The list that follows leans mostly toward dives with history, little gems that cater to a wider range of ages and offer more to the palate than cheap beer. The Athletic College Football Staff, New York Times, 11 Sep. 2025 The Mercer 41 sleeper sofa—made to fit two guests quite comfortably—channels a Bauhaus vibe with its metal frame, and the green corduroy upholstery leans into today’s penchant for all things ’70s. Yelena Moroz Alpert, Architectural Digest, 10 Sep. 2025 The tap or snap leans into Craig’s submission prowess. Brian Mazique, Forbes.com, 6 Sep. 2025 The Grammy Award-winning R&B singer and entrepreneur, who at times leans into pop, has been a mainstay in my household for years. Robyn Mowatt, Essence, 20 Aug. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for leans
Verb
  • For precipitation, the outlook tilts dry.
    Hayleigh Evans, AZCentral.com, 15 Sep. 2025
  • The balance between civilian authority and military might tilts ominously toward the latter.
    Tom Debley, Mercury News, 11 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • That tends to increase the intensity and frequency of geomagnetic storms.
    Jamie Carter, Forbes.com, 16 Sep. 2025
  • Dachshund owners are often advised to use ramps in their homes, but this stubborn breed tends to need thorough training before using them consistently.
    Melissa Fleur Afshar, MSNBC Newsweek, 16 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • Injection wells are an essential part of Arizona’s existing water management system, which relies heavily on groundwater for 41% of the state’s overall water use, according to Arizona State University.
    Austin Corona, AZCentral.com, 15 Sep. 2025
  • Most of China’s network still relies on conventional high-speed trains, which are cheaper and more flexible.
    Kaif Shaikh, Interesting Engineering, 15 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • Be warned, though, that the steep inclines and seemingly endless switchbacks can be seriously challenging.
    Stacey Lastoe, Travel + Leisure, 19 Sep. 2025
  • They are most commonly used to transport people and cargo up steep inclines.
    Catherine Nicholls, CNN Money, 4 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • On Wednesday, Fraser and Schweigert made the case that success depends on much more than just tech.
    Katherine Fung, MSNBC Newsweek, 18 Sep. 2025
  • Great leaders know their success depends on the ability to communicate with clarity.
    Expert Panel®, Forbes.com, 17 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • The last giant sequoias are in about 73 groves scattered over 48,000 acres along the western slopes of the Sierra Nevada.
    Kurt Snibbe, Oc Register, 20 Sep. 2025
  • Perched on the eastern escarpment of the Great Rift Valley with the Ewaso Narok River to the east and the slopes of Mount Kenya to the south, andBeyond Suyian Lodge offers endless panoramic views and access to a wide variety of landscapes, from savannas to rivers and Vechellia woodlands.
    Rebekah Peppler, Travel + Leisure, 19 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • While the corrupt scheme was well documented journalistically and much of the evidence is indicative, ultimately Argentina's Judiciary followed its political inclinations all the way to the top.
    Agustino Fontevecchia, Forbes.com, 27 Aug. 2025
  • The artist’s ability to straddle the line between tomboy inclinations and ultra-glam moments is what has always attracted me to her style.
    Robyn Mowatt, Essence, 20 Aug. 2025

Cite this Entry

“Leans.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/leans. Accessed 21 Sep. 2025.

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