lean on

verb

leaned on; leaning on; leans on

transitive verb

: to apply pressure to
They were leaning on the governor to pass the law.

Examples of lean on in a Sentence

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.
The sophomore completed his first eight passes, but had no running to game to lean on. Steve Dulas, Orange County Register, 9 Nov. 2024 Seek to create an environment where collaboration and interdependence are encouraged, and where team members feel comfortable leaning on each other when necessary. Jacob Kupietzky, Forbes, 6 Nov. 2024 Millions of dollars flooded a crowded 2024 GOP primary field, with DeSantis in particular leaning on a historically well-heeled and involved super PAC to proselytize his fighter credentials. Tal Axelrod, ABC News, 6 Nov. 2024 Longer-term, however, decoupling the TV shows from the MCU — while still leaning on fan-favorite characters from the broader Marvel library — could widen the potential audience beyond its most committed fans. Josef Adalian, Vulture, 4 Nov. 2024 See all Example Sentences for lean on 

Word History

First Known Use

circa 1960, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of lean on was circa 1960

Dictionary Entries Near lean on

Cite this Entry

“Lean on.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/lean%20on. Accessed 1 Dec. 2024.

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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