LEGAL Synonyms: 69 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: How is the word 'legal' different from other adjectives like it?

Some common synonyms of legal are lawful , legitimate , and licit . While all these words mean "being in accordance with law," 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

Q: When can 'lawful' be used instead of 'legal'?

The meanings of lawful and legal largely overlap; however, lawful may apply to conformity with law of any sort (such as natural, divine, common, or canon). // the lawful sovereign

Q: Where would 'legitimate' be a reasonable alternative to 'legal'?

In some situations, the words legitimate and legal are roughly equivalent. However, 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

Q: When would 'licit' be a good substitute for 'legal'?

The words licit and legal can be used in similar contexts, but 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

legal

adjective

ˈlē-gəl

Definition of legal next

as in legitimate

permitted by law the congressman's fund-raising efforts, though arguably unethical, were determined to be legal

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in moral

following or according to the rules the referee declared it a legal play

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

How is the word legal different from other adjectives like it?

Some common synonyms of legal are lawful, legitimate, and licit. While all these words mean "being in accordance with law," 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

When can lawful be used instead of legal?

The meanings of lawful and legal largely overlap; however, lawful may apply to conformity with law of any sort (such as natural, divine, common, or canon).

the lawful sovereign

Where would legitimate be a reasonable alternative to legal?

In some situations, the words legitimate and legal are roughly equivalent. However, 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

When would licit be a good substitute for legal?

The words licit and legal can be used in similar contexts, but 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

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Recent Examples of legal Texas has the second largest population of people in the U.S. without legal status behind California, according to the Pew Research Center. —

Ana Campbell, NPR, 31 Jan. 2025 The network has contended that its news decisions are fully protected by the First Amendment, and a number of legal observers see the lawsuit as frivolous. —

Ted Johnson, Deadline, 31 Jan. 2025 And its provisions are likely to run into thorny legal issues given that state and regional authorities typically oversee power plant planning and permitting. —

Daniel Moore, Axios, 21 Jan. 2025 Trump’s executive orders will likely face legal challenges in the months and years ahead. —

Brooke Migdon, The Hill, 21 Jan. 2025 See all Example Sentences for legal

Recent Examples of Synonyms for legal

Adjective

California Attorney General Rob Bonta warned that the texts appear authentic, sometimes linking to legitimate websites to deceive consumers.

— Barbara A. Perry, Newsweek, 28 Jan. 2025
There were legitimate criticisms of the government response, but government data on air and water quality had little bearing on whether residents, the majority of whom voted for Trump in 2020 and 2024, felt safe.

— Benji Jones, Vox, 28 Jan. 2025