LEAN Synonyms: 158 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: How does the adjective 'lean' contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of lean are gaunt , lanky , lank , rawboned , scrawny , skinny , and spare . While all these words mean "thin because of an absence of excess flesh," lean stresses lack of fat and of curving contours. // a lean racehorse

Q: When is 'gaunt' a more appropriate choice than 'lean'?

The words gaunt and lean can be used in similar contexts, but gaunt implies marked thinness or emaciation as from overwork or suffering. // a prisoner's gaunt face

Q: When is it sensible to use 'lank' instead of 'lean'?

The words lank and lean are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, lank implies tallness as well as leanness. // the lank legs of the heron

Q: When would 'lanky' be a good substitute for 'lean'?

The synonyms lanky and lean are sometimes interchangeable, but lanky suggests awkwardness and loose-jointedness as well as thinness. // a lanky youth, all arms and legs

Q: In what contexts can 'rawboned' take the place of 'lean'?

The meanings of rawboned and lean largely overlap; however, rawboned suggests a large ungainly build without implying undernourishment. // a rawboned farmer

Q: How do 'scrawny' and 'skinny' relate to one another, in the sense of 'lean'?

Both scrawny and skinny imply an extreme leanness that suggests deficient strength and vitality. // a scrawny chicken // skinny street urchins

Q: When could 'spare' be used to replace 'lean'?

While the synonyms spare and lean are close in meaning, spare suggests leanness from abstemious living or constant exercise. // the gymnast's spare figure

lean 1 of 3

verb

ˈlēn

Definition of lean

as in to tilt

to set or cause to be at an angle just lean the ladder against the tree and climb up it

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in to tend

to show a liking or proneness (for something) the family's diet leans toward greasy food

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as in to rely

to place reliance or trust you can always lean on me if you need help

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

lean

2 of 3

adjective

as in skinny

having a noticeably small amount of body fat all of the marathoners are extremely lean

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

lean

3 of 3

noun

as in slope

the degree to which something rises up from a position level with the horizon the wall has enough of a lean that we can't set a bookcase against it

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

How does the adjective lean contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of lean are gaunt, lanky, lank, rawboned, scrawny, skinny, and spare. While all these words mean "thin because of an absence of excess flesh," lean stresses lack of fat and of curving contours.

a lean racehorse

When is gaunt a more appropriate choice than lean?

The words gaunt and lean can be used in similar contexts, but gaunt implies marked thinness or emaciation as from overwork or suffering.

a prisoner's gaunt face

When is it sensible to use lank instead of lean?

The words lank and lean are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, lank implies tallness as well as leanness.

the lank legs of the heron

When would lanky be a good substitute for lean?

The synonyms lanky and lean are sometimes interchangeable, but lanky suggests awkwardness and loose-jointedness as well as thinness.

a lanky youth, all arms and legs

In what contexts can rawboned take the place of lean?

The meanings of rawboned and lean largely overlap; however, rawboned suggests a large ungainly build without implying undernourishment.

a rawboned farmer

How do scrawny and skinny relate to one another, in the sense of lean?

Both scrawny and skinny imply an extreme leanness that suggests deficient strength and vitality.

a scrawny chicken

skinny street urchins

When could spare be used to replace lean?

While the synonyms spare and lean are close in meaning, spare suggests leanness from abstemious living or constant exercise.

the gymnast's spare figure

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 lean

Verb

Her hairstylist, Danielle Priano, certainly leaned into the illusion. — Marci Robin, Allure, 5 Aug. 2026 On the campaign trail, Lozano has leaned heavily on his law enforcement credentials to vouch for Fishback, without mentioning his own troubled history with the department. — Carlton Gillespie, Sun Sentinel, 5 Aug. 2026

Adjective

Sharing vegetables, limiting sugary beverages and eating lean protein will teach children over time what healthy meals consist of and these behaviors can have lasting benefits as children age and make food choices on their own. — Omer Awan, Forbes.com, 1 Aug. 2026 Four years earlier, a leaner and healthier Elvis played a much better concert at this same coliseum. — Andy Greene, Rolling Stone, 1 Aug. 2026

Noun

The Glamaker Puff-sleeve Blouse leans into that shift with its mix of eyelet and lace detailing, plus a subtle puff sleeve that adds shape without feeling overdone. — Rosie Marder, Travel + Leisure, 4 July 2026 But this version of Zorro leans instead into broad comedy and an even broader vintage aesthetic including day-for-night shooting and a general soft-focus haze. — Daniel Fienberg, HollywoodReporter, 30 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for lean

Recent Examples of Synonyms for lean

Verb

The equatorial mount tilts to match Earth’s axis, allowing smooth tracking by turning two cables instead of pushing the tube constantly.

— Damian Peach, Space.com, 4 Aug. 2026
We humans from time to time are tilted heavily toward the darkness, but the ultimate counter to that seems to be religion.

— Neil Senturia, San Diego Union-Tribune, 3 Aug. 2026

Definition of tilt

Verb

The new fiscal plan includes seeking a parcel tax beginning in 2027 and relies on an agreement with the teachers’ union that temporarily changes how the district pays for retiree health benefits.

— Chaewon Chung July 30, Sacbee.com, 31 July 2026
Even if Kansas offensive coordinator Andy Kotelnicki relies on KU’s run game, at a certain point Cole Ballard or Isaiah Marshall (depending on who is starting) will have to throw the ball and win Kansas games.

— Shreyas Laddha, Kansas City Star, 31 July 2026

Definition of rely

Adjective

Must-order side dishes include authentic, crisp and skinny French fries, redolent of truffle, and giant slices of roasted Brussels sprouts.

— Connie Ogle July 31, Miami Herald, 31 July 2026
Maybe that’s why replacing all my skinny jeans with wide-leg styles never quite solved my own denim dilemma.

— Alesandra Dubin, Glamour, 31 July 2026

Definition of skinny

Noun

Aragüés learned that one of his former crewmates, who was defending a friend’s house, lost his own home when the fire travelled down a slope next to him.

— M. R. O’Connor, New Yorker, 1 Aug. 2026
Investigators found damaged trees along Rock Branch Road, before the tornado crossed Highway 212 and snapped or uprooted numerous trees along the southward slope of Shelton Laurel Creek and toward Cutshall Town Road.

— Joe Marusak July 31, Charlotte Observer, 31 July 2026

Definition of slope

Verb

Gosling, who was nominated for a best supporting actor Oscar for his role as Ken, is angling to raise his pay to $20 million.

— Angelique Jackson, Variety, 1 Aug. 2026
Last year, the 49ers traded Samuel for a fifth-round draft pick to the Washington Commanders, the franchise that Brandon Aiyuk has unsuccessfully angled to join since walking out on the 49ers last season.

— Cam Inman, Mercury News, 31 July 2026

Definition of angle

Verb

Some depend on Iran more than others, Ahmadi said, adding that currently Yemen’s Houthi rebels are likely the most independent.

— Nadeen Ebrahim, CNN Money, 2 Aug. 2026
At a cost of approximately $8,600 to $23,100 per person (depending on the package), the 2026 edition covers Milan to Barcelona from September 3 through 6 while taking the rally to new heights.

— Viju Mathew, Robb Report, 2 Aug. 2026

Definition of depend

Adjective

The Orioles’ Taylor Ward has been at or near the top of the shopping list for every team seeking a righty-hitting outfield bat since the market for players like him may never have been thinner.

— Ken Rosenthal, New York Times, 2 Aug. 2026
Improperly Drying Flammable Items Drying clothes stained with any type of chemical stains such as gasoline, paint thinner, or acetone is a hazard.

— Mary Marlowe Leverette, The Spruce, 2 Aug. 2026

Definition of thin

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leaky

lean

leaned

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“Lean.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/lean. Accessed 6 Aug. 2026.

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Synonyms of lean

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adjective

noun

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Words We're Watching: 'Lean in'

Cite this Entry

More from Merriam-Webster on lean

More from Merriam-Webster

Word of the Day

torpor

Popular in Grammar & Usage

7 Pairs of Commonly Confused Words

Merriam-Webster’s Great Big List of Words You Love to Hate

Is it 'nerve-racking' or 'nerve-wracking'?

'Sneaked' or 'Snuck': Which is correct?

Why does English have so many silent letters?

Popular in Wordplay

The Longest Long Words List

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The Words of the Week - Aug. 7

How long is a jiffy?

Popular

7 Pairs of Commonly Confused Words

The Longest Long Words List

It's a Scorcher! Words for the Summer Heat

Games & Quizzes