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

Looser, more dangerous In contrast, FHP’s new policy gives troopers great leeway. — Brittany Wallman, Miami Herald, 30 Oct. 2026

Kristi Patrickus, an attorney and board member of the Association for Student Conduct Administration, said universities have leeway to restrict campus housing access for students returning from suspension, even if they are allowed to resume classes. — Leah Willingham, Chicago Tribune, 27 Oct. 2026

Trump has given Netanyahu a degree of leeway because of those political concerns, people familiar with the matter said. — Kevin Liptak, CNN Money, 18 Oct. 2026

Fortunately, Seghers continued writing shorter fiction, which gave her more leeway to exercise fantasy. — Alex Ross, New Yorker, 12 Oct. 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