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
Gerwig noted the new requirement would still have districts explore the possibility of changing their schedules, but give them leeway if the consequences prove too daunting.
—
Jeffrey S. Solochek, Miami Herald, 29 Apr. 2025
News anchors have not often been given leeway to criticize the company that pays their salaries on the very vehicle that is owned by the corporation.
—Brian Steinberg, Variety, 28 Apr. 2025
Additionally, the bills propose increasing the available credit amount for an individual project from 20% to 35% for amounts paid or incurred in Los Angeles, also giving the California Film Commission leeway to allow for additional credit percentages by 5% in other areas of economic opportunity.
—Katie Campione, Deadline, 22 Apr. 2025
Critics worry that invoking the act would consolidate federal power and give Trump more leeway to use the military for domestic law enforcement or immigration enforcement.
—Nicholas Creel, MSNBC Newsweek, 18 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for leeway
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Jeffrey S. Solochek, Miami Herald, 29 Apr. 2025
News anchors have not often been given leeway to criticize the company that pays their salaries on the very vehicle that is owned by the corporation.
—Brian Steinberg, Variety, 28 Apr. 2025
Additionally, the bills propose increasing the available credit amount for an individual project from 20% to 35% for amounts paid or incurred in Los Angeles, also giving the California Film Commission leeway to allow for additional credit percentages by 5% in other areas of economic opportunity.
—Katie Campione, Deadline, 22 Apr. 2025
Critics worry that invoking the act would consolidate federal power and give Trump more leeway to use the military for domestic law enforcement or immigration enforcement.
—Nicholas Creel, MSNBC Newsweek, 18 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for leeway
Cite this Entry
“Leeway.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/leeway. Accessed 12 May. 2025.
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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