LEANINGS Synonyms: 91 Similar and Opposite Words

leanings

noun

plural of leaning

as in tendencies

a prevailing or general movement or inclination the news media are often accused of having liberal leanings

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

as in inclinations

a habitual attraction to some activity or thing despite what his athletic leanings might suggest, he was actually a very lazy kid

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Example Sentences

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.

Recent Examples of leanings The artists said they weren't initially made aware of the event's political leanings when signing onto the program. — Michelle Del Rey, USA Today, 29 June 2026 There have been no in-depth conversations or leanings as to Rogers’ preferred destination. — Mario Cortegana, New York Times, 3 June 2026 In other instances, when people have remarked on his literary leanings, Brooks has demurred. — Adrienne Lafrance, The Atlantic, 28 June 2026 Vermeer’s family may have had Remonstrant leanings, too. — Clare Bucknell, Harpers Magazine, 23 June 2026 Trump has long invoked the term against a range of political opponents, including peaceful protesters without anarchist-leanings. — ABC News, 16 June 2026 Bishop Eckman says this resurgence is not a political movement and the new Catholics are right-wing, left-wing and in the middle — driven by their heart rather than their political leanings. — Andy Sheehan, CBS News, 26 May 2026 During that period of time, the majority of American journalists worked for newspapers with definite political leanings, and many newspapers were started by the parties themselves. — Encyclopedia Britannica, 26 May 2026 In recent years, even states that have skewed more conservative in their political leanings, such as Missouri, Nebraska, and Florida, have voted overwhelmingly to increase their minimum wage to $15 an hour. — Paxton Honerkamp, CNBC, 21 June 2026

Recent Examples of Synonyms for leanings

Noun

The same tendencies people are routinely told to correct are, in moderate form, closely tied to a busier, more exploratory style of thinking than most self-improvement advice accounts for.

— Mark Travers, Forbes.com, 1 July 2026
Plath shows up in Dederer’s book about (mostly) men who make great art and live monstrous lives (and what to do with them), but only as a woman who turns her violent tendencies against herself.

— Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 1 July 2026

Definition of tendencies

Noun

Getty Choosing a college major has always been a big life decision, influenced by not only personal inclinations and talents, but also by starting salaries.

— Courtney Connley-Hampton, Forbes.com, 30 June 2026
There were inclinations to not fully believe in their capabilities against Argentina.

— Joshua Kloke, New York Times, 4 June 2026

Definition of inclinations

Noun

The American Culture Quiz is a weekly test of our unique national traits, trends, history and people — including current events and the sights and sounds of the United States.

— Kelly McGreal, FOXNews.com, 5 July 2026
White sneakers tend to lead the trends come spring and summer, but Styles is proof that a black pair of comfy kicks is just as wearable—with a slightly more edgy feel.

— Reece Andavolgyi, InStyle, 5 July 2026

Definition of trends

Noun

For this class, the premise is that your purpose in life lies to the intersection of your values, your aptitudes and your interests.

— Dana Taylor, USA Today, 6 May 2026
This model reflects Japan’s long-standing corporate culture, which prioritizes new hires for their general potential—their aptitudes and aspirations, as opposed to their current skill sets or university majors—and then trains them on the job.

— GRACIA LIU-FARRER, Foreign Affairs, 18 Nov. 2025

Definition of aptitudes

Noun

In her memoir, Andrews mentions that her children briefly attended UCLA Lab School and that Joanna had affinities for horseback riding and reading.

— Bailey Bujnosek, InStyle, 23 June 2026
Spanish society has always had a relatively high tolerance for Latin American immigrants, who speak the local language and share certain cultural affinities.

— Rogé Karma, The Atlantic, 1 June 2026

Definition of affinities

Noun

Their architect, Michael Lehrer, created a striking design with a butterfly roof slanting up in two directions from the center, zigzag walls and picture windows front and back.

— Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 7 July 2026
The vendors circling this space entered from different directions, which is why the category still looks fragmented.

— Janakiram MSV, Forbes.com, 6 July 2026