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

• competent
• condign
• deserved
• due
• fair
• just
• justified
• merited
• right
• warranted

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

Walmart, however, pushed back against the jury’s verdict, arguing its actions were rightful. —Bysasha Rogelberg, Fortune, 27 Nov. 2024

Recovered artifacts will be returned to their rightful custodians, the news release said. —Jordan D. Brown, CNN, 27 Nov. 2024

Iowa Woman Reunited with Her Parents' Wedding Photo Lost in a Tornado Nearly 16 Years Ago Ornelas didn’t mind the mixup and began her quest to try and track down the rightful owners. —Angel Saunders, People.com, 20 Nov. 2024

And the change allowed women who did serve alongside combat units to receive rightful recognition with appropriate awards and recovery time. —Matt Robison, Newsweek, 20 Nov. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

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

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