leaning (on or against)

verb

Definition of leaning (on or against)next
present participle of lean (on or against)
as in bearing (down)

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Example Sentences

Recent Examples of Synonyms for leaning (on or against)
  1. compelling
  2. forcing
Verb
  • Last year, Wangari pushed through a law compelling the government to open more than a hundred registry offices, and making identity documents a fundamental right for every citizen.
    — Vivienne Walt, Time, 30 Sep. 2026
  • The state’s campaign watchdog can seek a court order compelling an influencer to disclose that they were paid, but that can take months.
    — Sophie Austin, Fortune, 8 Aug. 2026
Definition of compelling
Verb
  • The French broadcaster said the cyberattack involved forcing a continuous defrost cycle, setting temperatures to 50°C (122°F).
    — Miranda Jeyaretnam, Time, 13 Oct. 2026
  • Andrés Zamora, Secuoya Studios’ director of global sales and distribution, said such deals underline the role distribution can play in financing projects, while also forcing producers to defend their position.
    — Emiliano de Pablos, Variety, 12 Oct. 2026
Definition of forcing
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

leaning
leaning (on or against)
leanings
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Cite this Entry

“Leaning (on or against).” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/leaning%20%28on%20or%20against%29. Accessed 14 Oct. 2026.

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