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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 Rachel Yve, who posted a 20-minute somatic sleep support session on InsightTimer, blends somatic exercises, breathwork and progressive muscle relaxation, including legs up the wall. — Samantha Agate, Kansas City Star, 3 Sep. 2026 The tote got a further leg up in the 21st century, when an increasingly casual office culture began to leave the briefcase behind, and heightened environmental concerns (and at times, legislation) prompted shoppers to bring their own reusable bags. — Eric Twardzik, Robb Report, 31 Aug. 2026 Written with grimy, enlivening frankness — and an ability to dig into moral ambiguity — every character scrambles to get a leg up. — Los Angeles Times, 31 Aug. 2026 There was some question about whether the 49ers would keep four tight ends, but Willis’ value on special teams gives him a leg up over keeping more players at other positions, such as the offensive and defensive lines. — Chris Biderman, Sacbee.com, 31 Aug. 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
  • Saudi Arabia also is running low on interceptors and has turned to regional and Western allies for assistance as its standoff with Houthi rebels in Yemen drags on.
    — Ben Finley, Chicago Tribune, 19 Sep. 2026
  • Others, such as Hungary, Serbia and Slovakia, have refused to provide Kyiv with direct military assistance.
    — Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 19 Sep. 2026
Definition of assistance
Noun
  • The Canadian forward has been one of the biggest reasons for the Royals’ surprising success this season, producing 10 assists — tied for the best mark in league history with six matches remaining.
    — Karan Lodha, New York Times, 16 Sep. 2026
  • Cavan Sullivan — who is 16 years old — has now posted 6 goals and 11 assists with the Union in MLS play this season.
    — Daniel Sperry, Kansas City Star, 16 Sep. 2026
Definition of assist
Noun
  • Vasil didn’t know what his teammates were planning and was clearly touched by the display of support.
    — Paul Sullivan, Chicago Tribune, 19 Sep. 2026
  • Schoenmaker will oversee ReturnPro’s international corporate strategy and go-to-market approach, build its commercial organization and support mergers and acquisitions as the company develops its overseas business.
    — Alexandra Harrell, Footwear News, 18 Sep. 2026
Definition of support
Noun
  • The older, world-weary Jae-hwan (Park Hae-il) leads the City Desk, and investigates the event from a distance with the help of his police source, diligent detective Cheol-goo (Yoo Hai-jin).
    — Siddhant Adlakha, Variety, 20 Sep. 2026
  • The store operates with the help of several neighborhood ladies who volunteer their time.
    — Debbie Elliott, NPR, 20 Sep. 2026
Definition of help
Noun
  • Consumer spending, which accounts for about two-thirds of the US economy, has trended lower in recent months as the boost from bigger tax returns faded and higher energy costs took a bite out of people’s paychecks.
    — Bryan Mena, CNN Money, 16 Sep. 2026
  • Wadewitz added that the freight carrier may get an additional boost from its planned transcontinental merger.
    — Liz Napolitano, CNBC, 16 Sep. 2026
Definition of boost
Noun
  • Chinese authorities this year proposed mutual aid elder care services to cover 70% of regions by 2030.
    — HUIYEE CHIEW AND LYRIC LI THE WASHINGTON POST, Arkansas Online, 16 Sep. 2026
  • Tour Edge used a titanium face fused with a stainless steel head and put weight low and deep to help launch the ball and aid in forgiveness.
    — Langston Wertz Jr, Charlotte Observer, 16 Sep. 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 21 Sep. 2026.

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