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

Ruby allegedly had a relationship with some Dallas police officers, sometimes trading favors for leeway monitoring his nightclubs, according to History. —Skyler Trepel, PEOPLE, 24 Nov. 2025

Plants growing in garden beds or in the landscape have a lot more leeway, as the surrounding soil provides expansion room. —Erica Browne Grivas, Better Homes & Gardens, 22 Nov. 2025

But states were given some leeway—until November 1, which fell during the government shutdown—for full implementation. —Aliss Higham, MSNBC Newsweek, 17 Nov. 2025

At stake is the leeway presidents have to wield over trade measures as a tool of economic policy. —Jeff Cox, CNBC, 4 Nov. 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