Definitions

leaner

[lee-ner] / ˈli nər /

ADJECTIVE

bare, thin

Synonyms

STRONGEST

angular gangly gaunt lanky rangy sinewy skinny slender slim sparse svelte wiry

STRONG

barren emaciated haggard poor scanty shadow spare stick stilt wasted worn

WEAK

beanpole bony gangling inadequate infertile lank meager no fat pitiful rawboned scraggy scrawny stringy sylphlike twiggy unfruitful unproductive wizened

Antonyms

STRONGEST

chubby fat heavy plump thick

STRONG

fertile fresh strong

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.

The company said it had slowed down due to “too many organizational layers” and the cuts will simplify the organization to become a “faster, leaner, more focused company.”

From Los Angeles Times • May 22, 2026

He added that the reason for the job cuts was to make Intuit a faster and leaner company that will help it focus on its necessary areas of growth.

From Barron's • May 20, 2026

Swinney said he had put together a "leaner, more agile government".

From BBC • May 20, 2026

“Customer requirements, volume developments and cost structures call for leaner, more focused and more efficient production structures.”

From The Wall Street Journal • May 18, 2026

The second knife is shorter with a leaner tip and is used for detail work.

From "Clairboyance" by Kristiana Kahakauwila