Synonyms of lawful

lawful

adjective

ˈlȯ-fəl 

Get Custom Synonyms

Enter your own sentence containing lawful , and get words to replace it.

Get Custom Synonyms

Enter your own sentence containing lawful , and get words to replace it.

• 
• 
• 

This is a beta feature. Results may contain errors. Word replacements are determined using AI. Please check your word choices in our dictionary.

as in legitimate

permitted by law

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

Synonyms & Similar Words

• legitimate
• legal
• justifiable
• authorized
• licit
• regulation
• legit
• permissible
• allowable
• constitutional
• good
• proper
• statutory
• noncriminal
• warrantable
• right
• innocent
• just
• de jure

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• unlawful
• illegal
• wrongful
• illicit
• illegitimate
• wrong
• evil
• criminal
• bad
• immoral
• wicked
• corrupt
• prohibited
• sinful
• unauthorized
• guilty
• unjust
• forbidden
• lawless
• impermissible
• iniquitous
• unconstitutional
• reprobate
• outlawed
• banned
• under-the-table
• under-the-counter
• nonconstitutional

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

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of lawful

Zhou is a Chinese citizen and a lawful permanent resident of the United States. —Brett Tingley, Space.com, 2 Apr. 2025

Mahmoud Khalil, a lawful permanent resident who is believed to be the first to be taken into custody, helped lead high-profile protests at Columbia University against Israel’s war in Gaza. —Kate Selig, New York Times, 1 Apr. 2025

Dixon is a lawful permanent resident who has lived in the U.S. for 50 years, since the family immigrated to the U.S. from the Philippines. —Joel Rose, NPR, 1 Apr. 2025

In 1987, it was used in a case involving eight people who either held valid student visas or were lawful permanent residents for their pro-Palestinian activism. —Caitlin Yilek, CBS News, 31 Mar. 2025