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

After Prince’s death in 2016, Nelson and five half-siblings were named the rightful heirs to the musician’s estate (Prince had not left a will). —Jon Blistein, Rolling Stone, 5 Nov. 2024

Within two days, the post received over 700 reactions, with community members sharing ideas on how Kovach might find the ring’s rightful owner. —Alaa Elassar, CNN, 26 Oct. 2024

Scott says Lucius would have been in constant danger as the rightful heir to the Roman empire after the events of the first film, so for his protection, Lucilla made the agonizing decision to send him away to live in Numidia, far from Rome. —EW.com, 22 Oct. 2024

Of course, if the courts rule that only one party is the rightful owner, the take-home for that lucky taxpayer and the taxes will be greater. —Robert W. Wood, Forbes, 17 Oct. 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