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
Elizabeth Ayoola, Essence, 14 July 2025
Podcasts, the top 500 podcasts in America, 400 of the top 500 are right- leaning, 100 are left-leaning, and of the 100 left-leaning ones, half of them beat the you-know what out of the Democrats.
—CBS News, 6 July 2025
Beth Ann Mayer, Parents, 18 July 2025
Specific types of fish are an excellent, lean source of protein and other heart-healthy nutrients.
—Brittany Lubeck, Verywell Health, 17 July 2025
Eleanor Dearman, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 4 June 2025
Its angular design leans midcentury modern and the sleek-looking red flag plays with proportion in a visually intriguing way.
—Blake Bakkila, Architectural Digest, 3 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for lean
Verb
Despite going through postpartum hair loss and challenges with the father of her child, Jackson is fully leaning into motherhood and learning on the job.
—Elizabeth Ayoola, Essence, 14 July 2025
Podcasts, the top 500 podcasts in America, 400 of the top 500 are right- leaning, 100 are left-leaning, and of the 100 left-leaning ones, half of them beat the you-know what out of the Democrats.
—CBS News, 6 July 2025
Adjective
Prioritize whole, unprocessed foods, particularly fruits and veggies, lean proteins, and whole grains.
—Beth Ann Mayer, Parents, 18 July 2025
Specific types of fish are an excellent, lean source of protein and other heart-healthy nutrients.
—Brittany Lubeck, Verywell Health, 17 July 2025
Noun
The politics of Precinct 2 vs. House District 94
One way to compare how far left or right a political district leans is to look at results from recent statewide elections.
—Eleanor Dearman, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 4 June 2025
Its angular design leans midcentury modern and the sleek-looking red flag plays with proportion in a visually intriguing way.
—Blake Bakkila, Architectural Digest, 3 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for lean
Recent Examples of Synonyms for lean
Verb
-
Perry’s death-defying performance comes after Beyoncé suffered a similar scare at her Houston show last month, when her flying car prop tilted to one side, mid-air.—
Glenn Garner,
Deadline,
19 July 2025
-
After the handlers let go of the prop, the sphere rises and suddenly tilts to one side, causing Perry to lose her footing.—
Escher Walcott,
People.com,
19 July 2025
Verb
-
Rainwater tends to stockpile on the edges of roads.—
NC Weather Bot,
Charlotte Observer,
19 July 2025
-
The concept of general intelligence originated with Charles Spearman in 1904, who observed that individuals who performed well on one type of cognitive test tended to do well on others.—
Ted Ladd,
Forbes.com,
19 July 2025
Verb
-
Much of it filters down from Black communities; much of it is used to trick content moderation filters; and much of it relies on an underlying comedy.—
Adam Aleksic,
People.com,
14 July 2025
-
Fairhair relies on the love and support of his son, Bloodaxe, and begins to fear that many of his sons are now plotting against him.—
Matt Grobar,
Deadline,
14 July 2025
Adjective
-
Nothing fires up Google’s algorithm quite like talk of the return of skinny jeans, but for fall/winter 2025 designers are conspiring to relaunch another dormant Noughties trend: slouchy boho boots that puddle around the ankles and fold over the calves.—
Emma Spedding,
Vogue,
24 July 2025
-
Many have been quick to draw a connective throughline between the revival of trends like skinny jeans and bandage dress with the increasing accessibility of Ozempic and other GLP-1 injectables.—
Leah Dolan,
CNN Money,
24 July 2025
Noun
-
Even on their romantic outing on the ice rink and slopes, the lovebirds chose to wear complementing cozy 'fits.—
Michelle Lee,
People.com,
25 July 2025
-
The lower-level entrance did not meet accessibility standards due to the steep slope of the walkway, according to library officials, and water collected at the base of the walkway near the building, at times entering the building.—
Frederick Melo,
Twin Cities,
24 July 2025
Verb
-
Attach the netting to overhanging eaves and angle back to the area on the siding where the damage occurs, or drape it over stakes to keep them away from deck posts, says Mengak.—
Arricca Elin SanSone,
Southern Living,
29 June 2025
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Some believed that Griffith’s mighty bequest was also angled, in part, to dodge taxes.—
Julia Wick,
Los Angeles Times,
18 June 2025
Verb
-
What to look for in a quality cappuccino machine Adjustable water temperature The quality of your espresso absolutely depends on the temperature of the water.—
PubSubHub User,
New York Daily News,
24 July 2025
-
A lot of their success or lack thereof will depend on the growth and development of Love.—
Evan Massey,
MSNBC Newsweek,
24 July 2025
Adjective
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The market is thin in run-producing bats, and O'Hearn not only fills that need but is versatile enough to play the corner outfield spots as well.—
Hunter Mulholland,
MSNBC Newsweek,
24 July 2025
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Light cushioning maximizes comfort and support in the arch of your foot, while keeping its thin profile.—
Lauren Breedlove,
Travel + Leisure,
24 July 2025
Cite this Entry
“Lean.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/lean. Accessed 29 Jul. 2025.
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