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
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
Additionally, traditional journalists may have more leeway around identity and self-presentation through personal social media channels rather than incorporated into pieces published by their organizations.
—
Jeremy Saks, Encyclopedia Britannica, 26 May 2026
This means that the United States has a lot more leeway to deficit-spend than other countries.
—Jared Bernstein, The Atlantic, 25 May 2026
However, the wearer of these Saman Amel shorts should have greater leeway, thanks to their longer length, straight-leg silhouette, and fluid washed silk fabric.
—Robb Report Studio, Robb Report, 23 May 2026
One of the key rollbacks that was announced recently is ending that policy and going back to a different policy of hobbyists have a little bit more leeway to do that.
—Dana Taylor, USA Today, 15 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for leeway
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Jeremy Saks, Encyclopedia Britannica, 26 May 2026
This means that the United States has a lot more leeway to deficit-spend than other countries.
—Jared Bernstein, The Atlantic, 25 May 2026
However, the wearer of these Saman Amel shorts should have greater leeway, thanks to their longer length, straight-leg silhouette, and fluid washed silk fabric.
—Robb Report Studio, Robb Report, 23 May 2026
One of the key rollbacks that was announced recently is ending that policy and going back to a different policy of hobbyists have a little bit more leeway to do that.
—Dana Taylor, USA Today, 15 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for leeway
Cite this Entry
“Leeway.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/leeway. Accessed 30 May. 2026.
Copy CitationKids 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
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