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

While lawmakers have mostly thrown their backing behind the bill, some are wary of granting the president even more leeway to impose import taxes as a foreign policy cudgel. — Kate Nishimura, Footwear News, 31 July 2026

The sale of Lacroix allows for some leeway financially, but the £80m spent in January on Johnson and Jorgen Strand Larsen, as well as their wages, mean that Palace still have little room for error. — Matt Woosnam, New York Times, 31 July 2026

Luckily, the last night of the festivals appears to give folks some leeway for two of its closing artists. — Noe Padilla, USA Today, 31 July 2026

After the experimental period, Windermere was allowed to pull away from its Independent schedule and East River was also offered some leeway, and the Falcons have rejoined FHSAA district play for this season. — Chris Hays, The Orlando Sentinel, 25 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