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

• 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

Earlier this month, a video from a Philadelphia Phillies game went viral after two fans appeared to dispute who the rightful catcher of a home run ball was. —Melina Khan, USA Today, 28 Sep. 2025

And horror itself deserves a rightful place at the center of culture. —Andrew McGowan, Variety, 26 Sep. 2025

Seeing her work gathered anew is less about nostalgia than about recognizing her rightful place in the canon. —Okla Jones, Essence, 24 Sep. 2025

Lessons to learn from Tuskegee Ladapo’s word choice also runs the risk of perpetuating the rightful mistrust that continues to exist in communities of color about vaccines and the American health system more broadly. —Stacie Kershner, The Conversation, 22 Sep. 2025

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