law-abiding

adjective

law-abid·​ing ˈlȯ-ə-ˌbī-diŋ How to pronounce law-abiding (audio)
Synonyms of law-abidingnext
: abiding by or obedient to the law
law-abiding citizens
law-abidingness noun

Synonyms of law-abiding

Examples of law-abiding in a Sentence

the law-abiding citizens of the neighborhood did everything they could to help reduce street crime
Recent Examples on the Web
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.
Meanwhile, in deep-blue strongholds, law-abiding people and small shop owners keep getting treated like background characters in someone else’s morality play. Larry Clifton, Sun Sentinel, 17 Mar. 2026 Most have remained law-abiding. Los Angeles Times, 16 Mar. 2026 The right of law-abiding citizens to exercise their Second Amendment rights. Christopher Keating, Hartford Courant, 15 Mar. 2026 Many law-abiding shipping companies make this business decision, but this system leaves an opening for those who seek to skirt the rules. Charles Edward Gehrke, The Conversation, 10 Mar. 2026 See All Example Sentences for law-abiding

Word History

First Known Use

1756, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of law-abiding was in 1756

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Law-abiding.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/law-abiding. Accessed 20 Mar. 2026.

Kids Definition

law-abiding

adjective
law-abid·​ing
ˈlȯ-ə-ˌbīd-iŋ
: obedient to the law

Legal Definition

law-abiding

adjective
law-abid·​ing
ˈlȯ-ə-ˈbī-diŋ
: abiding by or obedient to the law
law-abidingness noun

More from Merriam-Webster on law-abiding

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