LAWFUL Synonyms: 47 Similar and Opposite Words

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

Some common synonyms of lawful are legal , legitimate , and licit . While all these words 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

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

The meanings of legal and lawful largely overlap; however, 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: In what contexts can 'legitimate' take the place of 'lawful'?

The words legitimate and lawful can be used in similar contexts, but 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: Where would 'licit' be a reasonable alternative to 'lawful'?

While in some cases nearly identical to lawful , 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

lawful

adjective

ˈlȯ-fəl

Definition of lawful next

as in legitimate

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

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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

Some common synonyms of lawful are legal, legitimate, and licit. While all these words 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

When would legal be a good substitute for lawful?

The meanings of legal and lawful largely overlap; however, 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

In what contexts can legitimate take the place of lawful?

The words legitimate and lawful can be used in similar contexts, but 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

Where would licit be a reasonable alternative to lawful?

While in some cases nearly identical to lawful, 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 lawful This was not a peaceful visit or lawful protest. —

Robert McGreevy, FOXNews.com, 26 May 2026 Cekada and Blanche said the new regulations would ease burdens for the firearms industry and lawful gun owners. —

Jaclyn Diaz, NPR, 20 May 2026 Trump signed an executive order on the first day of his second term directing federal agencies not to recognize the citizenship of babies born in the United States if neither parent is a citizen or lawful permanent resident. —

Maureen Groppe, USA Today, 20 May 2026 While suppressing items from an initial, warrantless backpack search at a Pennsylvania McDonald’s, the judge found a later inventory search lawful, allowing key evidence despite defense claims of police overreach. —

Michael R. Sisak, Los Angeles Times, 18 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for lawful

Recent Examples of Synonyms for lawful

Adjective

Also known as a phantom goal, a ghost goal refers to officiating errors during a football (soccer) match, resulting in either a goal being awarded despite the ball not having crossed the goal line or a legitimate goal being denied.

— Gitanjali Roy, Encyclopedia Britannica, 3 June 2026
Maradona initially claimed the goal was legitimate.

— Michael Cox, New York Times, 3 June 2026