lean
verb (used without object)
to incline or bend from a vertical position.
were leaning
-
past progressiveof lean.past progressive
Used to describe an ongoing action or continuous state that was happening at a specific time in the past.
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
Department staffers investigating the Warner acquisition were leaning toward recommending a challenge to the merger, people familiar with the matter say.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Jun. 15, 2026
The jurors appeared to signal which way they were leaning.
From Los Angeles Times ● Apr. 3, 2026
Meanwhile, minutes from the October meeting, released at 2 p.m. today, suggested more members than not were leaning the other direction.
From Barron's ● Nov. 20, 2025
At a recent fans forum we hosted, most Baggies fans were leaning more towards a top-half finish as their expectation.
From BBC ● Aug. 7, 2025
He looked over to where the shovels were leaning against the house, snatched one up, and brought it over to Genie.
From "As Brave As You" by Jason Reynolds
