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
Subsidized interest, flexible repayment options and leeway during times of financial hardship make federal loans a smart option for many eligible borrowers.
—
Kamaron McNair, CNBC, 5 June 2025
Viewed together, these cases highlight how the court has granted parents significant leeway to exempt their children from educational activities inconsistent with their religious beliefs.
—Charles J. Russo, The Conversation, 5 June 2025
This year, Scripps tweaked the competition rules, giving judges more leeway to let the competition play out before going to the tiebreaker, in which contestants spell as many words as possible in 90 seconds.
—Bay Area News Group, Mercury News, 30 May 2025
The team can also use the taxpayer mid-level exception to sign a free agent for up to $5.7 million (approximately), providing a bit more leeway for acquisitions.
—Bennett Durando, Denver Post, 22 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for leeway
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Kamaron McNair, CNBC, 5 June 2025
Viewed together, these cases highlight how the court has granted parents significant leeway to exempt their children from educational activities inconsistent with their religious beliefs.
—Charles J. Russo, The Conversation, 5 June 2025
This year, Scripps tweaked the competition rules, giving judges more leeway to let the competition play out before going to the tiebreaker, in which contestants spell as many words as possible in 90 seconds.
—Bay Area News Group, Mercury News, 30 May 2025
The team can also use the taxpayer mid-level exception to sign a free agent for up to $5.7 million (approximately), providing a bit more leeway for acquisitions.
—Bennett Durando, Denver Post, 22 May 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 Jun. 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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