Synonyms of lawful

lawful

adjective

ˈlȯ-fəl 

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

The political crime of not supporting the president’s agenda and exercising lawful local power not to participate in it? —New York Daily News Editorial Board, New York Daily News, 6 Mar. 2025

The complaint requests that the judge declare the parole programs lawful and order immigration authorities to resume processing applications through the programs. —Syra Ortiz Blanes, Miami Herald, 4 Mar. 2025

When a criminal misuses a lawful product, the companies say, the criminal is responsible for his actions, not the manufacturer or seller. —Mary Beth Sheridan and Ann E. Marimow The Washington Post, arkansasonline.com, 3 Mar. 2025

Lawyers for the gun companies, led by Smith & Wesson, argued that Mexico relies on an multi-step chain to tie the lawful production and sale of their guns within the U.S. to the chaos in Mexico incited by drug cartels criminally misusing their weapons. —Melissa Quinn, CBS News, 3 Mar. 2025