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

Two weeks ago, the tragedy in Pahalgam that claimed the lives of Indian tourists sparked rightful outrage. —Faisal Kutty, MSNBC Newsweek, 8 May 2025

The trust fund holds money from Coloradans’ old savings accounts, unpaid wages, insurance payouts and other cash lost on the way to its rightful owners. —Nick Coltrain, Denver Post, 6 May 2025

Tonight at the Met Gala, that story continues and Black style returns to its rightful place not as a viral trend but as tradition. —Sughnen Yongo, Forbes.com, 5 May 2025

OutKast is officially taking their rightful place in music history as part of the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame class of 2025 inductees. —Amber Corrine, VIBE.com, 28 Apr. 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