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

In addition, the administration has supported allowing insurers more leeway to sell plans that are not compliant with the Affordable Care Act. —Renuka Rayasam, Miami Herald, 22 Apr. 2026

While Reggie Dinkins has not been a breakout hit either, midseason entries typically get more leeway with a shot at a second season. —Nellie Andreeva, Deadline, 16 Apr. 2026

But that device costs $3,499, giving the company little leeway to charge more. —Bloomberg, Mercury News, 16 Apr. 2026

Greece probably outperformed key fiscal metrics for 2025 by at least one percentage point of output, offering leeway for aid to voters facing a souring economy, people familiar with the matter said. —Sotiris Nikas, Bloomberg, 15 Apr. 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