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 No one ever gave him a leg up, or pulled favors on his behalf. — Los Angeles Times, 29 Sep. 2026 While our new girl bias isn’t as strong as Victoria’s, having those two decades of backstory on her does give a leg up in terms of whose plight is easier to invest in. — Tom Smyth, Vulture, 25 Sep. 2026 Another leg up this week has taken longer-duration Treasury yields to highs not seen since 2004. — Jeff Cox, CNBC, 24 Sep. 2026 Neither team scored a point in the first quarter this season, so starting fast could help the Spartans get a leg up. — Niles Hall, Mercury News, 17 Sep. 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
  • Haaland, a citizen of Laguna Pueblo in west-central New Mexico, once relied on government assistance as a single mother.
    — Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 23 Oct. 2026
  • Dozens of people were convicted in connection with a sprawling, $250-million children’s food assistance scheme that predated this administration, though more charges have been announced in recent months.
    — Andrea Castillo, Los Angeles Times, 23 Oct. 2026
Definition of assistance
Noun
  • That didn’t matter as much because new Hornets Naz Reid (20 points, 11 rebounds and a team-high seven assists), Grayson Allen (21 points) and Dennis Schroder (19 points, six assists) were all making memorable debuts for the Hornets.
    — Scott Fowler, Charlotte Observer, 22 Oct. 2026
  • With a goal and two assists, Kucherov increased his total to 1,137 career points, pulling even with former teammate Steven Stamkos for the club record.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 21 Oct. 2026
Definition of assist
Noun
  • The Lake Wylie Marine Commission has rescinded its support for Charlotte Water’s request to modify its interbasin transfer agreement, the group’s leadership told Mecklenburg County commissioners during its annual report Tuesday.
    — Mary Ramsey, Charlotte Observer, 23 Oct. 2026
  • But through the hardships, Andrea Soto said the community’s support has been a positive.
    — Charles Baggarly, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 23 Oct. 2026
Definition of support
Noun
  • Desperate Israelis called the authorities, pleading for help that would not arrive for hours.
    — Eric Cortellessa, Time, 25 Oct. 2026
  • The sailors were brought to the island’s southern port of Galle on Saturday after Sri Lankan authorities received a distress call seeking medical help, said Thushara Rodrigo, the foreign ministry spokesperson.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 25 Oct. 2026
Definition of help
Noun
  • This year, thanks to the surge in oil prices caused by the war in Iran, Diamondback’s second-quarter profits per share more than doubled from last year; Wall Street expects another boost when third-quarter earnings are released in a few weeks.
    — Tim McDonnell, semafor.com, 22 Oct. 2026
  • The biggest gains are in the Nasdaq , which is getting a boost from SpaceX's 8% post-earnings pop and gains in chip stocks.
    — Jeff Marks, CNBC, 21 Oct. 2026
Definition of boost
Noun
  • Get assistance with heating bills The Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) helps qualified households with one-time financial assistance for heating and electricity bills, as well as emergency aid to prevent shut-offs.
    — Dan Avery, CNBC, 21 Oct. 2026
  • After a detailed briefing with an ATI staff member, I was kitted out with a folder packed with maps, a Namibian cell phone pre-programmed with key contacts, and a first-aid kit.
    — Samantha Falewée, Condé Nast Traveler, 21 Oct. 2026
Definition of aid

Browse Nearby Words

legs up
leg up
lei
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Cite this Entry

“Leg up.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/leg%20up. Accessed 26 Oct. 2026.

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