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
Relevance
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
Yuen Foong Khong, Foreign Affairs, 24 June 2025
With the exception of Tilson, the candidates generally lean left, and their supporters may be more likely to rank Mamdani than Cuomo down ballot.
—Ben Adler, USA Today, 24 June 2025
Keith Pandolfi, The Enquirer, 2 July 2025
What’s rising in the aftermath is a new breed of giving that is leaner, faster, and built on the principles of decentralization, distribution, and data.
—Alexander Puutio, Forbes.com, 25 June 2025
Pete Sampson, New York Times, 28 Apr. 2025
Democrats and Republicans continue to maintain that a Republican loss in the district is highly unlikely, given its red lean.
—Julia Manchester, The Hill, 30 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for lean
Verb
For example, under President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo from 2001 to 2010, the Philippines leaned toward China.
—Yuen Foong Khong, Foreign Affairs, 24 June 2025
With the exception of Tilson, the candidates generally lean left, and their supporters may be more likely to rank Mamdani than Cuomo down ballot.
—Ben Adler, USA Today, 24 June 2025
Adjective
The Mediterranean diet emphasizes lean proteins, fruits, vegetables and healthy fats.
—Keith Pandolfi, The Enquirer, 2 July 2025
What’s rising in the aftermath is a new breed of giving that is leaner, faster, and built on the principles of decentralization, distribution, and data.
—Alexander Puutio, Forbes.com, 25 June 2025
Noun
He was perceived to be an early Texas lean (his hometown of Forney is located 200 miles from Austin) until Notre Dame and Michigan moved to the front of the pack during spring practice.
—Pete Sampson, New York Times, 28 Apr. 2025
Democrats and Republicans continue to maintain that a Republican loss in the district is highly unlikely, given its red lean.
—Julia Manchester, The Hill, 30 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for lean
Recent Examples of Synonyms for lean
Verb
-
This charming pagoda-style umbrella offers UPF 50 protection for scorching summer days, is easily adjustable, and even tilts.—
Blake Bakkila,
Architectural Digest,
8 July 2025
-
The fan features a 120-degree oscillating head, which can also be tilted 120 degrees vertically, and is connected to a stand that extends up to 40 inches (or 3.3 feet).—
Alicia Geigel,
Southern Living,
7 July 2025
Verb
-
The plethora of celebrity voice cameos can feel grating, and the plots tend to lose the local Arlen vibe that made the first few seasons so immediately identifiable.—
Daniel Dockery,
Vulture,
7 July 2025
-
Majors that require quantitative and analytical skills, such as engineering, tend to lend the highest salaries within five years of graduation, according to data from the New York Fed.—
Natalie Wu,
CNBC,
7 July 2025
Verb
-
With so many options available on the Chrome Web Store, users often rely on trust markers like install counts, user reviews and developer reputation to make their choice.—
Kurt Knutsson,
FOXNews.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
-
Right where the mural would be painted are two skinny wall panels between a set of balconies with a metal wall jutting out on the right.—
Meredith G. White,
AZCentral.com,
12 July 2025
-
In 2025, the bandage dress is experiencing a resurgence alongside the rise of a new skinny culture, fueled by the popularity of Ozempic and similar GLP-1 weight-loss drugs, as well as social media trends such as SkinnyTok — a diet culture that is widespread on TikTok.—
Renan Botelho,
Footwear News,
11 July 2025
Noun
-
The beach is wide enough to feel spacious even during high season, with volleyball courts, picnic areas, and a gentle slope into calm, swimmable waters.—
AFAR Media,
AFAR Media,
14 July 2025
-
What to Do on Bear Lake Merely looking at the water is only one way to enjoy majestic Bear Lake; it’s also known for incredible swimming, with several areas featuring a gradual slope that allows visitors to enter the water easily.—
Lydia Mansel,
Travel + Leisure,
13 July 2025
Verb
-
With a pull-on waistband, angled side pockets, and breezy cotton fabric, these ones are ready and waiting for all my summer adventures.—
Jamie Allison Sanders,
People.com,
7 July 2025
-
Moreover, the Taliban has angled for the recognition of another former adversary: the United States.—
Max Saltman,
CNN Money,
3 July 2025
Verb
-
Changing this idea to an in-game system where you are now being asked to achieve something (go flawless in Trials of Osiris) to unlock the ability to buy a digital ornament for real money (this will cost about $7-10 depending on your Silver stores).—
Paul Tassi,
Forbes.com,
12 July 2025
-
Florida depends on the federal government for about 34% of its budget — and roughly two-thirds of its $34 billion Medicaid budget.—
Scott Cohn,
CNBC,
12 July 2025
Adjective
-
The Series 10 is also thinner, lighter, easier to wear, and charges faster than previous models.—
Adrienne So,
Wired News,
12 July 2025
-
The water pressure then causes the vehicle to rise and slide on a thin layer of water between the tires and the road, making the driver lose control.—
NC Weather Bot,
Charlotte Observer,
12 July 2025
Cite this Entry
“Lean.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/lean. Accessed 18 Jul. 2025.
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