lawful

adjective

law·​ful ˈlȯ-fəl 

1

a

: being in harmony with the law

a lawful judgment

b

: constituted, authorized, or established by law : rightful

lawful institutions

2

: law-abiding

lawful citizens

lawfully

ˈlȯ-f(ə-)lē 

adverb

lawfulness

ˈlȯ-fəl-nəs 

noun

Synonyms

• legal
• legit [slang]
• legitimate
• licit

Choose the Right Synonym for lawful

lawful, legal, legitimate, licit mean being in accordance with law.

lawful may apply to conformity with law of any sort (such as natural, divine, common, or canon).

the lawful sovereign

legal applies to what is sanctioned by law or in conformity with the law, especially as it is written or administered by the courts.

legal residents of the state

legitimate may apply to a legal right or status but also, in extended use, to a right or status supported by tradition, custom, or accepted standards.

a perfectly legitimate question about taxes

licit applies to a strict conformity to the provisions of the law and applies especially to what is regulated by law.

the licit use of drugs by doctors

Examples of lawful in a Sentence

a lawful search of the property

hunting is a lawful activity only if you have the proper license

Recent Examples on the Web

The tribunal states that whether its decision has any benefit to the club, therefore, depends on whether the new APT rules are found to be lawful as part of the second challenge issued by the club last month. —Dan Sheldon, The Athletic, 15 Feb. 2025

Experts note that while sharing general information is lawful, actively advising individuals to evade law enforcement could potentially raise legal concerns. —Josh Hammer, Newsweek, 14 Feb. 2025

In the hearing Friday, prosecutors and the defense each laid out their arguments for whether the officer’s actions leading up to the arrest should or should not be considered lawful — and whether his actions following the arrest should or should not be considered in the case at all. —Rose Evans, Idaho Statesman, 11 Feb. 2025

The order aimed to end automatic citizenship for U.S.-born children if neither parent is a U.S. citizen or a lawful permanent resident. —Bart Jansen, USA TODAY, 10 Feb. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Kids Definition

lawful

adjective

law·​ful ˈlȯ-fəl 

1

: permitted by law

lawful conduct

2

: recognized by law : rightful

the lawful owner

lawfully

-f(ə-)lē 

adverb

lawfulness

-fəl-nəs 

noun

Legal Definition

lawful

adjective

law·​ful

1

a

: being in harmony with the law

a lawful judgment

a lawful purpose

b

: constituted, authorized, or established by law

a lawful duty

2

: law-abiding

lawful citizens

lawfully adverb

lawfulness noun