: a definite but not decisive attraction or tendency
—often used in plural
radical leanings
Examples of leaning in a Sentence
the news media are often accused of having liberal leanings
despite what his athletic leanings might suggest, he was actually a very lazy kid
Recent Examples on the Web
Critics of the new requirements say that while the questions don’t explicitly ask candidates about their political preferences, which is prohibited under federal law, they can be used to gauge applicants’ political leanings.
—
Maria Gracia Santillana Linares, Forbes.com, 3 June 2025
Their generally hard-right leanings are an issue, too, casting additional doubt on whether either of them should be confirmed by the Senate.
—Sun Sentinel Editorial Board, Sun Sentinel, 2 June 2025
The disenchantment of younger Poles was particularly evident in mock elections held last month in high schools as part of a national project to assess the political leanings of those still too young to vote.
—Andrew Higgins, New York Times, 31 May 2025
Given the Democratic leanings of Prairie State, whoever wins the primary for Durbin’s seat next year is considered the heavy favorite to win in November 2026.
—Caroline Vakil, The Hill, 20 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for leaning
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Maria Gracia Santillana Linares, Forbes.com, 3 June 2025
Their generally hard-right leanings are an issue, too, casting additional doubt on whether either of them should be confirmed by the Senate.
—Sun Sentinel Editorial Board, Sun Sentinel, 2 June 2025
The disenchantment of younger Poles was particularly evident in mock elections held last month in high schools as part of a national project to assess the political leanings of those still too young to vote.
—Andrew Higgins, New York Times, 31 May 2025
Given the Democratic leanings of Prairie State, whoever wins the primary for Durbin’s seat next year is considered the heavy favorite to win in November 2026.
—Caroline Vakil, The Hill, 20 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for leaning
Cite this Entry
“Leaning.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/leaning. Accessed 10 Jun. 2025.
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