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

Wyoming law gives wide leeway for people to kill wolves and other predators by a variety of means in the vast majority of the state. —CBS News, 26 Feb. 2026

Bill gave me a lot of leeway of what will this be. —Michael Schneider, Variety, 26 Feb. 2026

The state has much more leeway to lean on educators through its Principles of Professional Conduct, which is how education commissioner Anastasios Kamoutsas has pushed his position that protests have no place in schools. —Jeffrey S. Solochek, Sun Sentinel, 25 Feb. 2026

Participating business owners will have substantial leeway to arrange and decorate their own spaces. —Evy Lewis, Chicago Tribune, 20 Feb. 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
• 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