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 Moreno says Democrats have an advantage going into this year’s elections because historically, the party out of power has the leg up in midterms. — Joshua Ceballos, Miami Herald, 22 Aug. 2026 The Brokeback Mountain star plays Lou Bloom, a psychopathic freelance cameraman willing to do anything to get a leg up in Los Angeles’ crime reporting. — Wesley Stenzel, Entertainment Weekly, 21 Aug. 2026 But Bob Jarvis, a law professor at Nova Southeastern University agreed that voter registration numbers in the red-leaning district and Elijah’s TV experience gives him a leg up. — Annie Martin, The Orlando Sentinel, 19 Aug. 2026 That direct link gives Wall Street a leg up over retail traders by delivering Truth Social posts split seconds faster than the public sees them. — David Goldman, CNN Money, 11 Aug. 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
  • Among the things the neighborhood would stand to benefit from, De La Torre said, are financial and legal support for street vendors who keep the commerce district alive, drug treatment programs, and housing assistance.
    — Marissa J. Lang, NPR, 28 Aug. 2026
  • The assistance, which helps pay for basic needs such as housing and food, would nearly double under a new policy.
    — Ted Hesson, Washington Post, 28 Aug. 2026
Definition of assistance
Noun
  • Despite playing just 81 games in right field, Caglianone is tied for third in assists among all American League players at that position with seven.
    — Pete Grathoff, Kansas City Star, 27 Aug. 2026
  • All ages are allowed to ride a Class 1 electric bike, which uses pedal assist and has a maximum motor speed of 20 mph.
    — Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 27 Aug. 2026
Definition of assist
Noun
  • Yet, earlier this month, I, my fellow editors and National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration personnel were informed that support for the Arctic Report Card — our flagship annual report since 2006 — is canceled.
    — Twila Moon, Washington Post, 31 Aug. 2026
  • Demographic experts are cautiously optimistic about the new scheme, which appears to offer more sustained and holistic support for families.
    — Angelica Ang, Fortune, 30 Aug. 2026
Definition of support
Noun
  • For example, expressing appreciation for past help or thanking the doctor for their time was more helpful than emphasizing sadness or frustration.
    — Paul Hsieh, Forbes.com, 31 Aug. 2026
  • Some operators said they were forced to take out personal loans, ask family for financial help, and empty out their savings accounts.
    — Cayla Bamberger, New York Daily News, 31 Aug. 2026
Definition of help
Noun
  • But the reflation boost appears to be petering out as much of the price recovery has been driven by surging global energy costs, while domestic demand lags.
    — Anniek Bao, CNBC, 27 Aug. 2026
  • That is a big boost for the detection of worlds that don't pass between Earth and their host star.
    — Robert Lea, Space.com, 26 Aug. 2026
Definition of boost
Noun
  • The City of Fort Worth is also working with the aid organization to help meet residents’ needs.
    — Lillie Davidson, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 26 Aug. 2026
  • Wrongful death claim Ortiz failed to stop and render aid, the suit said, driving away from the scene.
    — Caroline Zimmerman, Kansas City Star, 26 Aug. 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 1 Sep. 2026.

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