Synonyms of rightful

rightful

adjective

ˈrīt-fəl 

as in deserved

being what is called for by accepted standards of right and wrong

in light of her admission of having lied, the only rightful course of action for the governor would be to resign

Synonyms & Similar Words

• deserved
• justified
• legal
• proper
• legitimate
• due
• right
• competent
• appropriate
• suitable
• fair
• condign
• merited
• lawful
• warranted
• just
• equitable
• correct
• requisite
• fitting
• apt
• meet
• applicable
• strict
• true
• accurate
• fit
• uncompromising
• impartial
• stringent
• square
• rhadamanthine

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• unfair
• undue
• unjust
• unwarranted
• unjustified
• undeserved
• irrelevant
• improper
• unreasonable
• incorrect
• partial
• inappropriate
• unsuitable
• unjustifiable
• unequal
• unmerited
• incoherent
• indefensible
• inapplicable
• inequitable
• arbitrary
• irrelative
• unlawful
• biased
• despotic
• illegitimate
• inapt
• inapposite

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of rightful

How to Determine Responsibility for a Damaged Fence Sometimes, the boundary line can be a bit blurry for fences, especially if both neighbors aren’t certain who the rightful owner is. — Nafeesah Allen, Better Homes & Gardens, 6 Sep. 2026

In a series of videos posted on social media and flagged by KOB4, Martinez filmed himself tearing the camera towers down in order to return them to their rightful owners. — Joe Wilkins, Futurism, 3 Sep. 2026

Replacing Milwaukee's Excalibur A sword stolen from a stone 80 years ago is returning to its rightful place thanks to the efforts of a local nonprofit group. — Steven Martinez, jsonline.com, 30 Aug. 2026

Kimmel and Damon then bicker over who has a rightful paternal claim to the child, culminating in a pitch-perfect spoof of Maury featuring Short as Povich. — Ryan Coleman, Entertainment Weekly, 22 Aug. 2026