View synonyms for

leeway

[lee-wey]

Phonetic (Standard)IPA

noun

extra time, space, materials, or the like, within which to operate; margin.
With ten minutes' leeway we can catch the train.
a degree of freedom of action or thought.
His instructions gave us plenty of leeway.
Synonyms: , ,
Also called sag.��Nautical.��the amount or angle of the drift of a ship to leeward from its heading.
Aeronautics.��the amount a plane is blown off its normal course by cross winds.

leeway

/ ˈ��ːˌ�ɱ�ɪ /

noun

room for free movement within limits, as in action or expenditure
sideways drift of a boat or aircraft

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Word History and Origins

Origin of leeway¹

First recorded in 1660–70; lee + way ¹

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Example Sentences

Examples have not been reviewed.

"The court felt that it was not able to interfere because of the leeway it must give to Parliament," she added.

From

While President Donald Trump hasn't invoked the Insurrection Act, which grants the president wide leeway in using military forces within U.S. borders, he has deployed several battalions of troops to Los Angeles.

From

In March 2025, the OBR projected that she had just £9.9bn of "headroom" against this rule, a very small amount of leeway given the size of overall government spending and borrowing.

From

If only we all had the same leeway when deposed.

From

Analysts say M&S's reputation has suffered a "bruise", but they also say there is a lot of affection for the High Street stalwart so customers are likely to give it some leeway.

From

lee wave Le Fanu

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