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

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

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

Examples 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 Their work was lawful and permitted by state environmental officials. —

Penny Weaver, arkansasonline.com, 15 Oct. 2024 Texas insists its requirements are reasonable measures to protect children, not unlike lawful requirements to verify a customer's age before purchasing liquor or entering a strip club. —

Devin Dwyer, ABC News, 4 Oct. 2024 But the Biden administration told the Supreme Court in a filing that its methane-emission guidelines for state regulation of existing wells are lawful and fully comport with the Clean Air Act. —

Melissa Quinn, CBS News, 4 Oct. 2024 Zoom in: Unaccompanied children, lawful permanent residents, victims of severe trafficking and non-citizens with valid visas or other lawful permission are exempted from the proclamation and final rule. —

April Rubin, Axios, 30 Sep. 2024 See all Example Sentences for lawful