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

• 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

The poor analysis, based on wildly optimistic and restrictive assumptions, was something that the authors were (and should be) granted leeway to do. —Ethan Siegel, Big Think, 19 Sep. 2025

Reform advocates told IndyStar that the case illustrates how foster parents are often given more leeway than biological families. —Marissa Meador, IndyStar, 19 Sep. 2025

Oracle, however, has given its chairman and largest shareholder more leeway. —Robert Frank, CNBC, 18 Sep. 2025

Machado’s blast also provided enough leeway to survive when the Padres stopped executing so well. —Kevin Acee, San Diego Union-Tribune, 18 Sep. 2025

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