leeway

noun

ˈlē-ˌwā How to pronounce leeway (audio)
Definition of leewaynext
as in slack
an allowable margin of freedom or variation you will be given some leeway in choosing how to carry out the project

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Example Sentences

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.
Recent Examples of leeway Preller has the freedom to add payroll, though that leeway is said not to be great. — Kevin Acee, San Diego Union-Tribune, 1 Aug. 2026 While lawmakers have mostly thrown their backing behind the bill, some are wary of granting the president even more leeway to impose import taxes as a foreign policy cudgel. — Kate Nishimura, Footwear News, 31 July 2026 The sale of Lacroix allows for some leeway financially, but the £80m spent in January on Johnson and Jorgen Strand Larsen, as well as their wages, mean that Palace still have little room for error. — Matt Woosnam, New York Times, 31 July 2026 Luckily, the last night of the festivals appears to give folks some leeway for two of its closing artists. — Noe Padilla, USA Today, 31 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for leeway
Recent Examples of Synonyms for leeway
  1. slack
  2. latitude
Noun
  • Keep in mind that nets with too much slack and stretch won’t hold onto belongings securely.
    — BestReviews, Mercury News, 27 Aug. 2026
  • My favorite polished look is still very comfortable and includes a pair of slacks, a knit blazer, and simple ballet flats.
    — Anna Popp, Travel + Leisure, 26 Aug. 2026
Definition of slack
Noun
  • Telescopes show Venus's crescent lengthening and thinning throughout the month, but observers at mid-northern latitudes will find Venus's image to be blurred by turbulence low in the sky.
    — Joe Rao, Space.com, 1 Sep. 2026
  • Engineers at Jet Propulsion Laboratory and AeroVironment are working on a larger solar panel for improved power production at high-latitude locations, Pomerantz said.
    — Stephen Clark, ArsTechnica, 1 Sep. 2026
Definition of latitude

Browse Nearby Words

leewards
leeway
left
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Cite this Entry

“Leeway.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/leeway. Accessed 4 Sep. 2026.

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