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 of leeway

• 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

As the adaptation for Fake Skating is making leeway, Painter’s other adaptation Better Than the Movies is already filming with Julia Hart directing and David Iacono and Beatrice Kitsos starring. — Lexy Perez, HollywoodReporter, 29 Sep. 2026

In these interviews, the soldiers map out how targets are chosen, how attacks are planned and how much leeway is given for civilian casualties. — Drew Paul, The Conversation, 25 Sep. 2026

One section of the law does give some leeway for election officials to determine intent for write-in ballots. — Jack Harvel, Kansas City Star, 18 Sep. 2026

The rule gives immigration agents leeway to deny green cards or visas to lawful immigrants on the basis of being a public charge, meaning someone using programs like Medicaid or food assistance. — Jennifer Bisram, CBS News, 14 Sep. 2026

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
• assez
• astray
• aue
• away
• ballet
• belay
• beltway

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