leeway

noun

lee·​way ˈlē-ˌwā How to pronounce leeway (audio)
Synonyms of leeway
1
: an allowable margin of freedom or variation : tolerance
The new rules allow managers greater leeway in making decisions.
2
a
: off-course lateral movement of a ship when underway
The sailboat's centerboard helps to reduce leeway.
b
: the angle between the heading and the track of an airplane

Synonyms of leeway

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Examples of leeway in a Sentence

They give their students leeway to try new things. you will be given some leeway in choosing how to carry out the project
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.
Fortunately, Seghers continued writing shorter fiction, which gave her more leeway to exercise fantasy. — Alex Ross, New Yorker, 12 Oct. 2026 This practice had become prolific in the NBA, earning criticism that ballhandlers had gained undue leeway to initiate contact that defenders couldn’t reasonably counter without being called for a foul. — Julia Poe, Chicago Tribune, 8 Oct. 2026 Step Back Unlike stocks and bonds, whose prices are quoted on screens across Wall Street, managers of private lenders have broad leeway to value their loans, with varying degrees of input from third-party services. — Ellen Dimauro, semafor.com, 7 Oct. 2026 The breakthrough of the first film earned the directors considerable leeway, Perischetti said. — Dade Hayes, Deadline, 7 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for leeway

Word History

First Known Use

1669, in the meaning defined at sense 2a

Time Traveler
The first known use of leeway was in 1669

Phrases Containing leeway

Rhymes for leeway

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Browse Nearby Words

leeward tide
leeway
lee wheel
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Cite this Entry

“Leeway.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/leeway. Accessed 14 Oct. 2026.

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Kids Definition

leeway

noun
lee·​way ˈlē-ˌwā How to pronounce leeway (audio)
1
: sideways movement of a ship when under way
2
: an extra amount (as of room or time) that allows some freedom or variation
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