rightful

adjective

right·​ful ˈrīt-fəl 

1

: just, equitable

2

a

: having a just or legally established claim : legitimate

the rightful owner

b

: held by right or just claim : legal

rightful authority

3

: proper, fitting

… assured of his rightful place in history …

—Brian Duff

rightfully

ˈrīt-fə-lē 

adverb

rightfulness noun

Synonyms of rightful

• deserved
• justified

Examples of rightful in a Sentence

The property should be returned to its rightful owner.

He will be given his rightful place in the history books.

Recent Examples on the Web

Our progress to ensure that Baltimore claims its rightful place in the American story reminds us of what's possible when Maryland moves not just fast, but together. —Adam Thompson, CBS News, 30 Mar. 2026

Committee members were unconvinced, questioning why the congresswoman waited until the day of the hearing to produce such a document when Ethics Committee staff said proof of her rightful ownership of the funds was explicitly requested months ago. —Jacqueline Charles, Miami Herald, 27 Mar. 2026

An Aledo spokesperson previously shared a statement with the Star-Telegram that said the city filed the lawsuit to protect its rightful boundaries. —Matthew Adams, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 27 Mar. 2026

Arkansas is the rightful favorite on a massive scale. —Steven Louis Goldstein, New York Times, 21 Mar. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for rightful

• frightful
• spiteful
• delightful
• insightful

Kids Definition

rightful

adjective

right·​ful ˈrīt-fəl 

1

: just entry 1 sense 2a

2

: having a just or legal claim : legitimate

the rightful owner

rightfully

-fə-lē 

adverb

rightfulness noun