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

Additionally, Platt and Berger recalled having both produced the 2016 musical La La Land, which was at the center of an infamous Oscars moment when it was mistakenly announced as the best picture winner before the announcement of Moonlight as the rightful winner. —Ryan Gajewski, The Hollywood Reporter, 8 Feb. 2025

The question now is how long fans must wait until it’s put back in its rightful place: behind the curtain, unseen and unheard. —Jordan Sargent, The Atlantic, 6 Feb. 2025

The Leland also earned its rightful place in history when, in 1937-38, the Sky Club was used by RCA Victor as a recording studio for its Bluebird label, turning out some of the most influential blues music in the prewar Chicago area. —Denise Crosby, Chicago Tribune, 6 Feb. 2025

This movie largely takes place in the car as Hannah and Finn are searching the city for the ring’s rightful owner. —Rebecca Angel Baer, Southern Living, 1 Feb. 2025