Synonyms for

Lean

Verb / li:n / Another word for lean — explore alternatives below. For syllable breakdowns and pronunciation, see this word on Syllablesworld.

Definition

to incline or bend from a vertical position

Synonyms & similar words

thin tilt angle tip fat list run tend incline inclination leaning rich slant begiven skimpy tilt slant angle tip incline pitch cant bevel list stoop bend curve bow sway rock wobble tilting leaning inclining canted

Synonyms by register

Formal

thin slender slim gaunt

Informal

skinny bony scrawny wiry

Literary

attenuated spare lank

Antonyms

fat plump stout corpulent obese broad

Common collocations

  • lean meat
  • lean years
  • lean on me
  • lean towards
  • lean against
  • lean out
  • lean back
  • lean into

Word family

noun lean
verb lean
adjective lean
adverb leanly

Usage note

As an adjective, 'lean' often implies a lack of fat, especially in the context of meat or a person's physique. As a verb, it can mean to incline or to rely on.

Example sentences

  1. I lean on my mom when I need help.
  2. The tree is starting to lean.
  3. She had to lean over to see the picture.
  4. The tower began to lean to one side.
  5. I like to lean my head against the window on long car rides.

Quotes

  • It is not the mountain we conquer but ourselves. - Sir Edmund Hillary
  • Fall seven times, stand up eight. - Japanese Proverb
  • Not all those who wander are lost. - J.R.R. Tolkien

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