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
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
But the stewards, who give more leeway for first-corner incidents, opted to take no action.
—
Luke Smith, New York Times, 19 Oct. 2025
But schools have some leeway in physical alterations if their buildings were constructed before certain standards were in effect.
—Becca Savransky, Idaho Statesman, 15 Oct. 2025
Trump’s grandiose peace plan still ended up phased and conditional – granting the Israeli leader political leeway with his hardline coalition.
—Tal Shalev, CNN Money, 11 Oct. 2025
The law affords little leeway for the federal government to skirt its obligation, Donald Kettl, professor emeritus at the University of Maryland School of Public Policy, told ABC News.
—Max Zahn, ABC News, 10 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for leeway
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Luke Smith, New York Times, 19 Oct. 2025
But schools have some leeway in physical alterations if their buildings were constructed before certain standards were in effect.
—Becca Savransky, Idaho Statesman, 15 Oct. 2025
Trump’s grandiose peace plan still ended up phased and conditional – granting the Israeli leader political leeway with his hardline coalition.
—Tal Shalev, CNN Money, 11 Oct. 2025
The law affords little leeway for the federal government to skirt its obligation, Donald Kettl, professor emeritus at the University of Maryland School of Public Policy, told ABC News.
—Max Zahn, ABC News, 10 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for leeway
Cite this Entry
“Leeway.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/leeway. Accessed 24 Oct. 2025.
Copy CitationKids 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
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share