leeway

noun

lee·​way ˈlē-ˌwā 

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

• slack
• latitude

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

Both are comedies, which are inherently less expensive than dramas and thus enjoy more leeway with renewal decisions. — Nellie Andreeva, Deadline, 16 July 2026

Anyone speaking on camera under those circumstances, having given so much on the pitch, deserves a significant amount of leeway. — Jack Pitt-Brooke, New York Times, 14 July 2026

Part of the magic is that the secrecy of the real-life Soviet program gives Nedivi, Wolpert, and their writers ample leeway to be inventive and distance themselves from the lore of their own alternate-universe timeline. — Sarah Shachat, IndieWire, 14 July 2026

But although the court has been expanding executive power in some situations, the justices have reduced the leeway administrative agencies have to issue regulations that add additional requirements to clear statutes. — Benjamin Leff, The Conversation, 9 July 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1669, in the meaning defined at sense 2a

Phrases Containing leeway

• make up (the) leeway

Rhymes for leeway

• airway
• allay
• archway
• array
• ashtray
• assez
• astray
• aue
• away
• ballet
• belay
• beltway

Kids Definition

leeway

noun

lee·​way ˈlē-ˌwā 

1

: sideways movement of a ship when under way

2

: an extra amount (as of room or time) that allows some freedom or variation