Synonyms of rightful

rightful

adjective

ˈrīt-fəl 

as in deserved

being what is called for by accepted standards of right and wrong

in light of her admission of having lied, the only rightful course of action for the governor would be to resign

Synonyms & Similar Words

• deserved
• justified
• legal
• proper
• legitimate
• due
• right
• competent
• appropriate
• suitable
• fair
• condign
• merited
• lawful
• warranted
• just
• equitable
• correct
• requisite
• fitting
• apt
• meet
• applicable
• strict
• true
• accurate
• fit
• uncompromising
• impartial
• stringent
• square
• rhadamanthine

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• unfair
• undue
• unjust
• unwarranted
• unjustified
• undeserved
• irrelevant
• improper
• unreasonable
• incorrect
• partial
• inappropriate
• unsuitable
• unjustifiable
• unequal
• unmerited
• incoherent
• indefensible
• inapplicable
• inequitable
• arbitrary
• irrelative
• unlawful
• biased
• despotic
• illegitimate
• inapt
• inapposite

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of rightful

The treasurer is holding more than $5 billion in unclaimed funds that can be returned to the rightful owner at no cost. —Carrie Shepherd, Axios, 28 Mar. 2025

All these years later, Tree Crops is the central text for those engaged in the practice, many of whom see transformative potential in restoring trees to their rightful place as keystones of sustainable agriculture. —Ben Seal, JSTOR Daily, 19 Mar. 2025

This involves reviewing personal documents, such as a lease or deed, or consulting a property manager or landlord to verify the rightful assignment of the parking spot. —Raja Krishnamoorthi, Newsweek, 13 Mar. 2025

Thanks to a review of more than 70 years of communication between the parties involved, it has now been returned to its rightful owners, according to research published by Meredith M. Hale in the British Art Journal. —Lauren Liebhaber, Miami Herald, 20 Mar. 2025