leg up

noun

Definition of leg upnext
as in assistance
an act or instance of helping a key endorsement that would give the struggling candidate a real leg up right now

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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 leg up Devoting extra time to children, including monitoring their schoolwork and enrolling them in enrichment activities that require time and money, has become one way for parents with privilege to give their children a leg up. — Darby Saxbe, Fortune, 21 June 2026 Devoting extra time to children, including monitoring their schoolwork and enrolling them in enrichment activities that require time and money, has become one way for parents with privilege to give their children a leg up. — Darby Saxbe, The Conversation, 16 June 2026 Getting a leg up in the burgeoning industry could also help China pull ahead of the US and other rivals in artificial intelligence and advanced technology. — John Liu, CNN Money, 30 June 2026 Before the World Cup, Dioz provided employee uniforms for events including Super Bowl LIX and Copa America, which may have given it a leg up on the FIFA contact. — Los Angeles Times, 3 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for leg up
Recent Examples of Synonyms for leg up
  1. assistance
  2. assist
  3. support
  4. help
  5. boost
  6. aid
Noun
  • Despite government assurances, humanitarian groups warn that the scale of assistance still falls short of the need.
    — Antonio María Delgado, Miami Herald, 3 July 2026
  • For instance, in addition to covering repairs, Endurance plans come with perks like 24/7 roadside assistance, windshield repair, fob replacement and rental car reimbursement.
    — Faith Wakefield, USA Today, 3 July 2026
Definition of assistance
Noun
  • Today an accessory can affect crash-safety standards, driver-assist sensors, towing limits, and — once it is connected — vehicle cybersecurity.
    — Sarwant Singh, Forbes.com, 2 July 2026
  • Clark became the fastest player in WNBA history to surpass 1,000 career points and 500 career assists already this year.
    — Scott Thompson, FOXNews.com, 2 July 2026
Definition of assist
Noun
  • Corlys, one of few characters on the show who has survived long enough to ask for a favor in return for his service, shares his plan with Rhaenyra, asking her earnestly for public support from the crown.
    — Zoe Papelis, Vulture, 6 July 2026
  • Ukraine is expected to be central in Ankara, with debate focused on long-term military support, Kyiv’s own defense industry and what NATO can learn from the country after more than four years of full-scale war.
    — Elsa Ohlen, CNBC, 6 July 2026
Definition of support
Noun
  • With the help of a family friend, a retired deputy sheriff, Robinson’s parents persuaded him to surrender to authorities, according to charging documents.
    — Nicki Brown, CNN Money, 6 July 2026
  • With Brazil’s upcoming clash with Norway providing another physical challenge in the blistering New Jersey heat, is Casemiro a help or hindrance to his team?
    — Mark Carey, New York Times, 6 July 2026
Definition of help
Noun
  • Local business owners welcomed the boost in business as Dodgers fans filled restaurants, hotels and entertainment districts throughout Sacramento and West Sacramento.
    — Reeti Malhotra, Sacbee.com, 1 July 2026
  • But while the sportswear giant remains the category leader by revenue, and the company is enjoying a FIFA World Cup boost for its soccer jersey sales, the momentum has shifted decisively away from Beaverton, Oregon.
    — Mark Faithfull, Forbes.com, 1 July 2026
Definition of boost
Noun
  • The Real Cost of Waiting Only one in four adults who could benefit from a hearing aid has ever used one, and the average person waits nine years after a diagnosis before doing anything about it.
    — Allison Palmer July 1, Miami Herald, 1 July 2026
  • Most people who could benefit from a hearing aid have never used one.
    — Allison Palmer July 1, Kansas City Star, 1 July 2026
Definition of aid

Browse Nearby Words

legs up
leg up
lei
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Leg up.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/leg%20up. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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