law-abiding

adjective

law-abid·​ing ˈlȯ-ə-ˌbī-diŋ How to pronounce law-abiding (audio)
: abiding by or obedient to the law
law-abiding citizens
law-abidingness noun

Examples of law-abiding in a Sentence

the law-abiding citizens of the neighborhood did everything they could to help reduce street crime
Recent Examples on the Web
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.
But his emotional appeals and political lifting repeatedly failed to muster enough support in Congress as he was continually thwarted by Republicans and other gun rights advocates who argued it was wrongheaded to regulate firearms for law-abiding citizens. Phillip M. Bailey, USA Today, 29 Aug. 2025 But both ends of the iconic roadway currently aren’t safe enough for law-abiding drivers to use. The Editorial Board, Chicago Tribune, 19 Aug. 2025 Juan is a law-abiding taxpayer and adhered to all requirements of the legal immigration process, his wife says. Billal Rahman, MSNBC Newsweek, 14 Aug. 2025 The predominant effect that this law will have is to prevent law-abiding citizens from purchasing their preferred firearm. Rafael Perez, Oc Register, 1 Aug. 2025 See All Example Sentences for law-abiding

Word History

First Known Use

1834, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of law-abiding was in 1834

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Law-abiding.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/law-abiding. Accessed 6 Sep. 2025.

Kids Definition

law-abiding

adjective
law-abid·​ing
ˈlȯ-ə-ˌbīd-iŋ
: obedient to the law

Legal Definition

law-abiding

adjective
law-abid·​ing
ˈlȯ-ə-ˈbī-diŋ
: abiding by or obedient to the law
law-abidingness noun

More from Merriam-Webster on law-abiding

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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