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

Her story, long buried, is now reclaiming its rightful place in American medical history. —Ella Jeffries, Smithsonian Magazine, 31 Mar. 2025

Then, to his surprise, the video went viral, capturing the attention of more than 130,000 people — including the rightful owner of the diploma. —Jordan Greene, People.com, 31 Mar. 2025

The right organizational items can inspire you to continue to work to keep items in their rightful place. —Rebecca Jones, Southern Living, 29 Mar. 2025

There is no time limit for filing claims, because the state maintains unclaimed assets for the rightful owners forever, according to nccash.com. —Evan Moore, Charlotte Observer, 28 Mar. 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