rightful

adjective

right·​ful ˈrīt-fəl 

1

: just, equitable

2

a

: having a just or legally established claim : legitimate

the rightful owner

b

: held by right or just claim : legal

rightful authority

3

: proper, fitting

… assured of his rightful place in history …

—Brian Duff

rightfully

ˈrīt-fə-lē 

adverb

rightfulness noun

Synonyms of rightful

• deserved
• justified

Examples of rightful in a Sentence

The property should be returned to its rightful owner.

He will be given his rightful place in the history books.

Recent Examples on the Web

Each generation has rightful reasons to worry about the future. — Miles Socha, Footwear News, 5 Nov. 2026

But in step Thrain, Durin III’s older son — and technically the rightful heir — to challenge for the crown, sparking a major power struggle and fallout. — Alex Ritman, Variety, 5 Nov. 2026

Even the worst atrocity has its rightful place and is necessary to the scheme of things, even adding to the beauty. — Artforum, 4 Nov. 2026

Redbord said law enforcement typically obtains a court order or seizure warrant before working with stablecoin issuers to release or reissue assets and return them to their rightful owners. — Jenny Lee, CNBC, 30 Oct. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for rightful

• frightful
• spiteful
• delightful
• insightful

Kids Definition

rightful

adjective

right·​ful ˈrīt-fəl 

1

: just entry 1 sense 2a

2

: having a just or legal claim : legitimate

the rightful owner

rightfully

-fə-lē 

adverb

rightfulness noun