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

Because this is a private facility, funded by parents of students who generally live a more privileged life, staff are given slightly more leeway to also teach languages and science alongside Islamic studies. —Mark Baron, CNN Money, 4 Aug. 2025

Among the tightropes Notre Dame will walk during camp with both quarterbacks is how much leeway the staff gives each. —Pete Sampson, New York Times, 2 Aug. 2025

Both are now resolved, leaving Goldman with a simpler business and the leeway with investors and employees to think about takeovers. —Liz Hoffman, semafor.com, 21 July 2025

More This is why only the most trusted and successful superstars are given the leeway to improvise and extend their segments. —Andrew Ravens‎, MSNBC Newsweek, 21 July 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