lean (on or against)

verb

Definition of lean (on or against)next
as in to bear (down)

Related Words

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Example Sentences

Recent Examples of Synonyms for lean (on or against)
  1. compel
  2. force
  3. muscle
Verb
  • Lawmakers should pass regulations that compel companies to be more transparent about how their algorithms feed young people and promote risky content, or target children based on data on their spending habits, impulsivity, or risk-taking.
    — Amy L. Kennedy, Fortune, 27 Oct. 2026
  • What compelled the British filmmaker to sell his wares to DC Studios bosses James Gunn and Peter Safran as the potential helmer of Clayface was a phrase coined by original screenwriter Mike Flanagan.
    — Brian Davids, HollywoodReporter, 26 Oct. 2026
Definition of compel
Verb
  • Backup guard Jaylen Clark relieved McDaniels from some of the defensive duty on Darius Garland and helped force five turnovers by the Clippers star.
    — Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 31 Oct. 2026
  • Polish President Karol Nawrocki forced his way into his nation’s high court as his supporters clashed against an army of police outside.
    — Timothy Nerozzi, The Washington Examiner, 31 Oct. 2026
Definition of force
Verb
  • The Southern Pacific muscled out the competition not just on land but on the seas and rivers.
    — Patt Morrison, Los Angeles Times, 30 Oct. 2026
  • Panthers receiver Cataurus Hicks comes down with it and muscles his way forward in an attempt to get into the end zone.
    — Jordan McPherson, Miami Herald, 28 Oct. 2026
Definition of muscle
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.

Browse Nearby Words

leanness
lean (on or against)
leans
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Cite this Entry

“Lean (on or against).” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/lean%20%28on%20or%20against%29. Accessed 1 Nov. 2026.

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