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

Even if the board hated it, the city has some leeway. —Phillip Molnar, San Diego Union-Tribune, 11 Mar. 2026

But with several non-roster invitees in camp who have opt outs and also can’t be easily stashed in the minors, Watson’s Rule 5 status might only give him so much leeway. —Mac Cerullo, Boston Herald, 7 Mar. 2026

People at the beaches have a lot more leeway than people on the west side. —Becky Wern, Florida Times-Union, 7 Mar. 2026

Trump has decided to give India leeway on oil purchases from Russia as global oil prices surge and investors across sectors worry about how long the Iran war will last. —ABC News, 7 Mar. 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