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lean Synonyms

Another word for lean

Choosing another word for lean depends on context, so the 65 synonyms and similar words below are separated across 9 exact definitions and ranked by match strength.
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• verb (Context 1)

To be in or move into a sloping position; to incline or bend from a vertical posture.

Usage Example

"She had to incline forward across the desk to hear what the receptionist was saying."

Strongest
incline
tilt
slant
Strong
slope
bend
cant
list
tip
heel
Weak
careen

• verb (Context 2)

To rest or cause to rest against something for physical support.

Usage Example

"He decided to rest his bicycle against the brick wall while he went inside the shop."

Strongest
rest
prop
Strong
recline
support
brace
loll
Weak
lounge

• adjective (Context 3)

Having little or no superfluous fat; thin and physically fit or sinewy (of a person or animal).

Usage Example

"Years of distance running had given the athlete a slender, muscular build."

Strongest
slender
slim
thin
spare
Strong
sinewy
wiry
trim
slight
lanky
gaunt

• adjective (Context 4)

Containing very little fat (of meat).

Usage Example

"The nutritionist recommended choosing low-fat cuts of poultry and beef for dinner."

Strongest
low-fat
Strong
fat-free
fatless
trimmed

• verb (Context 5)

To rely on someone or something for emotional, financial, or practical support (usually followed by 'on' or 'upon').

Usage Example

"During her first semester at university, she was grateful to have older mentors she could rely on for advice."

Strongest
rely
depend
count
Strong
bank
trust
turn

• verb (Context 6)

To have a partiality, preference, or tendency toward a particular opinion, viewpoint, or course of action (usually followed by 'toward').

Usage Example

"After reviewing all the proposals, the committee began to incline toward the most environmentally sustainable option."

Strongest
incline
tend
gravitate
Strong
favor
prefer
trend
swing
Weak
veer

• adjective (Context 7)

Operating with maximum efficiency and minimal waste or unnecessary personnel (of an organization, budget, or manufacturing process).

Usage Example

"The startup adopted a streamlined operational model to bring its software to market quickly."

Strongest
streamlined
efficient
Strong
trim
no-frills
economical
compact
agile
cost-effective

• adjective (Context 8)

Lacking in richness, abundance, or productivity; scarce or financially difficult (especially of a period of time or harvest).

Usage Example

"Small businesses managed to survive the meager winter months by reducing overhead costs."

Strongest
meager
scant
scanty
Strong
sparse
barren
unproductive
unfruitful
poor
hard
austere

• noun (Context 9)

A deviation from the vertical; an inclination, tilt, or slope.

Usage Example

"The old garden wall had developed a noticeable tilt toward the narrow lane."

Strongest
tilt
slant
inclination
incline
slope
Strong
cant
list
pitch
angle
rake

Opposites of lean

The opposite of lean shifts depending on context. Common opposites include:

fat
fatty
bloated
prosperous
straighten
abundant
inefficient
plentiful
See all opposites of lean

Cite this Entry


Wordmom. (2026). Synonyms for Lean. In Wordmom Thesaurus. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/synonyms/lean
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