leaning
10 synonyms and 1 antonym for leaning, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Noun — A tendency to favor a particular idea, belief, or direction.
Synonyms
Everyday swaps
Common words most readers know — safe in any writing.
Less common
Still standard English, but they carry more weight.
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
Antonyms
How to use leaning
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
political leanings
artistic leanings
have a leaning toward
Etymology
From lean plus -ing.
Full origin of leaning →Frequently asked questions
What does “leaning” mean?
The word “leaning” means a tendency to favor a particular idea, belief, or direction. In plain terms, a personal inclination or preference toward something.
How do you pronounce “leaning”?
“Leaning” is pronounced LEE-nihng (/ˈliːnɪŋ/ in IPA).
How do you use “leaning” in a sentence?
Here is “leaning” used in a sentence: “He has always had liberal leanings.”
What part of speech is “leaning”?
“Leaning” is a noun.
Is “leaning” a common word?
“Leaning” is a fairly common word in modern English.
What is the difference between a leaning and a preference?
A leaning is a tendency to favor a particular idea, belief, or direction, often subtle and not fully settled. A preference is a clearer, more definite choice, so a leaning suggests inclination rather than firm commitment.
What is the difference between a leaning and a bias?
Both describe a tendency to favor one side, but a leaning is usually mild and neutral in tone, while a bias implies a stronger and often unfair prejudice. Someone can have a political leaning without it amounting to a bias.
What preposition is used with 'leaning'?
'Leaning' is usually followed by 'toward' or 'towards,' as in 'a leaning toward caution.' This shows the direction in which someone's tendency or inclination points.
Is 'leanings' commonly used in the plural?
Yes. The plural 'leanings' is very common, especially when describing a person's political, religious, or ideological tendencies, as in 'her political leanings.'
