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.

Companies have tapped AI to make work teams leaner, faster and more efficient.

From MarketWatch • Jun. 4, 2026

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

Banks have also added artificial-intelligence tools to make their junior teams leaner and less expensive.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 5, 2026

A Nissan spokesperson said the changes were being made under its RE:Nissan recovery plan and were designed to create a "leaner, more resilient business that adapts quickly to market changes".

From BBC • May 5, 2026

He was leaner than Wylan, and his hairline was higher, but Jesper could definitely see the resemblance.

From "Six of Crows" by Leigh Bardugo