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
While the attorney general is appointed by the president, their staff is given wide leeway to follow the law rather than the president’s dictates.
—
Zack Beauchamp, Vox, 1 Nov. 2024
The deal means Disney will have rights to show the Grammys, the Super Bowl and the Oscars in 2027, a trifecta that will give the company new leeway to craft large ad packages with major sponsors.
—Brian Steinberg, Variety, 30 Oct. 2024
The ruling came in a case filed by Julie Adams, a Republican member of the Fulton County election board, who argued election board members had leeway around certification.
—Graham Kates, CBS News, 15 Oct. 2024
Since inflation rates have slowed and are poised to fall further on trend, central banks will likely have more leeway to cut interest rates.
—Jason Schenker, Forbes, 22 Oct. 2024
See all Example Sentences for leeway 
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Zack Beauchamp, Vox, 1 Nov. 2024
The deal means Disney will have rights to show the Grammys, the Super Bowl and the Oscars in 2027, a trifecta that will give the company new leeway to craft large ad packages with major sponsors.
—Brian Steinberg, Variety, 30 Oct. 2024
The ruling came in a case filed by Julie Adams, a Republican member of the Fulton County election board, who argued election board members had leeway around certification.
—Graham Kates, CBS News, 15 Oct. 2024
Since inflation rates have slowed and are poised to fall further on trend, central banks will likely have more leeway to cut interest rates.
—Jason Schenker, Forbes, 22 Oct. 2024
See all Example Sentences for leeway
Dictionary Entries Near leeway
Cite this Entry
“Leeway.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/leeway. Accessed 21 Nov. 2024.
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
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share