leg up

noun

Definition of leg upnext
as in assistance
an act or instance of helping a key endorsement that would give the struggling candidate a real leg up right now

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Example Sentences

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.
Recent Examples of leg up The cost advantage, loosening visa restrictions and a burgeoning reputation for reliable medical care has given China a leg up against other aspiring healthcare hotspots. — Stephanie Yang, CNN Money, 8 July 2026 Before the World Cup, Dioz provided employee uniforms for events including Super Bowl LIX and Copa America, which may have given it a leg up on the FIFA contact. — Los Angeles Times, 3 July 2026 These slip-on sneakers get a leg up (pun intended) for their ribbed, chunky lug soles. — Jamie Allison Sanders, PEOPLE, 22 June 2026 Devoting extra time to children, including monitoring their schoolwork and enrolling them in enrichment activities that require time and money, has become one way for parents with privilege to give their children a leg up. — Darby Saxbe, Fortune, 21 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for leg up
Recent Examples of Synonyms for leg up
  1. assistance
  2. assist
  3. support
  4. help
  5. boost
  6. aid
Noun
  • The Clay County Sheriff’s Office is seeking the public’s assistance to locate a 21-year-old man prosecutors allege held another man against his will at Smithville Lake.
    — Caroline Zimmerman, Kansas City Star, 1 Aug. 2026
  • The Jackson County Sheriff’s Department is leading the death investigation with assistance from local, state and federal agencies.
    — Margaret Baker, Sacbee.com, 31 July 2026
Definition of assistance
Noun
  • Charged has offered a fair bit of electronic aids on board, starting with ABS, traction control, hill hold (hill start assist), and hill descent assist.
    — New Atlas, New Atlas, 30 July 2026
  • Croix Bethune has been leading the Current’s attack all season and set a new single-season club assist record (seven) by setting up rookie winger Amelia White for her first NWSL goal in the 20th minute.
    — PJ Green July 30, Kansas City Star, 30 July 2026
Definition of assist
Noun
  • Around the same time, the city rescinded support for the Interstate 77 South toll lane project.
    — DJ Simmons July 27, Charlotte Observer, 27 July 2026
  • The problem arrives when the tools become the practice rather than a support for it.
    — Julian Hayes II, Forbes.com, 27 July 2026
Definition of support
Noun
  • With the help of partner Travis Bullard, Stefan Scarks and family officially opened the property in 2021.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 28 July 2026
  • Without the help of their partners and volunteers, Kanbe’s Markets wouldn’t be achievable.
    — Zuri Primos July 28, Kansas City Star, 28 July 2026
Definition of help
Noun
  • Starting next year, the deal adds Peacock to YouTube Premium, the ad-free tier of YouTube's core product, a move Front Office Sports says could deliver a subscriber boost in the millions to the newly profitable streamer.
    — Gabriel Alin Zainescu, Forbes.com, 29 July 2026
  • Someone already getting enough zinc from their diet is unlikely to see a boost.
    — Samantha Agate, Sacbee.com, 29 July 2026
Definition of boost
Noun
  • While Viking sagas mention rhythmic chants to aid oarsmen, the dramatic, coordinated movements seen today bear little resemblance to actual Viking rowing techniques.
    — Bailey Berg, Forbes.com, 29 July 2026
  • The two governments are promising aid packages to help people who have lost homes or businesses.
    — Mohammed Sergie, semafor.com, 29 July 2026
Definition of aid

Browse Nearby Words

legs up
leg up
lei
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Leg up.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/leg%20up. Accessed 3 Aug. 2026.

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