slant

1 of 2

verb

ˈslant How to pronounce slant (audio)
slanted; slanting; slants
Synonyms of slant

intransitive verb

1
: to take a diagonal course, direction, or path
2
: to turn or incline from a right line or a level : slope

transitive verb

1
: to give an oblique or sloping direction to
2
: to interpret or present in line with a special interest : angle
stories slanted toward youth
especially : to maliciously or dishonestly distort or falsify
slantingly
ˈslan-tiŋ-lē How to pronounce slant (audio)
adverb

slant

2 of 2

noun

1
: a slanting direction, line, or plane : slope
2
a
: something that slants
b
: slash sense 4
c
: a football running play in which the ballcarrier runs obliquely toward the line of scrimmage
3
a
: a peculiar or personal point of view, attitude, or opinion
b
: a slanting view : glance
slant adjective
slantways
ˈslant-ˌwāz How to pronounce slant (audio)
adverb
slantwise
ˈslant-ˌwīz How to pronounce slant (audio)
adverb or adjective
slanty
ˈslan-tē How to pronounce slant (audio)
adjective

Synonyms of slant

Relevance

Verb

Noun

See All Synonyms & Antonyms in Thesaurus

Examples of slant in a Sentence

Verb The sunlight slanted down through the leaves and branches of the trees. She slanted her hat a little to the right. They deliberately slanted the story to make themselves look good. Noun The computer keyboard is positioned at a slant so that typing is more comfortable for the wrists. He sliced the carrots on a slant.
Recent Examples on the Web
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.
Verb
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, 7 July 2026 Despite those altruistic goals, from the beginning, the commission faced criticism that the composition and agenda of the body were slanted toward a conservative Christian perspective. — Steven K. Green, The Conversation, 2 July 2026
Noun
This keypad sits at a slight slant rather than flat on the desk, which is comfortable to use and more ergonomically helpful for your wrists. — Brian Westover, PC Magazine, 3 Aug. 2026 Craig completed six of his seven pass attempts, including throwing back-to-back touchdowns to Dozie Ezukanma on a slant and a jump ball score to tight end Ka’Morreun Pimpton on a fade route in the end zone. — Steven Johnson, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 31 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for slant

Word History

Etymology

Verb

Middle English slenten to fall obliquely, of Scandinavian origin; akin to Norwegian dialect slenta to slope, Old Norse sletta to throw carelessly

First Known Use

Verb

1644, in the meaning defined at intransitive sense 1

Noun

1655, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of slant was in 1644

Phrases Containing slant

Rhymes for slant

See All Rhymes for slant

Browse Nearby Words

slank
slant
slantable
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Slant.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/slant. Accessed 7 Aug. 2026.

Copy Citation

Kids Definition

slant

1 of 2 verb
ˈslant How to pronounce slant (audio)
1
: to turn or incline from a straight line or a level : slope
2
: to interpret or present according to a special viewpoint

slant

2 of 2 noun
1
: a slanting direction, line, or plane : slope
2
: something that slants
3
: a way of looking at something
get a new slant on the problem
slant adjective
slanty
ˈslant-ē How to pronounce slant (audio)
adjective

Medical Definition

slant

noun
ˈslant How to pronounce slant (audio)
: a culture medium solidified obliquely in a tube so as to increase the surface area
a blood-agar slant
compare stab sense 2a

More from Merriam-Webster on slant

Nglish: Translation of slant for Spanish Speakers

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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