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

Male actors seem to be given more leeway than female stars to display bigger personalities without the public turning on them. — David MacK, CNN Money, 14 Aug. 2026

Another problem for Carr is the 2024 Supreme Court ruling that overturned the 40-year-old Chevron precedent, which gave federal agencies leeway to interpret ambiguous laws as long as the agency’s conclusion was reasonable. — ArsTechnica, 6 Aug. 2026

There’s a delightful secret history of Hollywood directors whose ruses and stratagems bought them an unusual amount of leeway with their scripts. — Richard Brody, New Yorker, 5 Aug. 2026

Preller has the freedom to add payroll, though that leeway is said not to be great. — Kevin Acee, San Diego Union-Tribune, 1 Aug. 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