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

• latitude
• slack
• space
• wiggle room

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

Meanwhile, Bad Bunny has the leeway as a global superstar to deviate from pop trends and operate in different modes on Fotos. —Griselda Flores, Billboard, 13 May 2025

Historically, the stablecoin market has not been immune from major collapses, and some regulators remain sensitive about granting too much leeway to stablecoin operators. —Rob Wile, NBC news, 8 May 2025

Generally speaking, critics have been giving the MCU far less leeway in the post-Endgame era. —Paul Tassi, Forbes.com, 30 Apr. 2025

Raw images save more color information than JPGs, providing more leeway to adjust color and exposure to taste. —PC Magazine, 30 Apr. 2025

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
• astray
• aue
• away
• ballet
• belay
• beltway
• beret

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