lawful

1 of 2

adjective

law·​ful ˈlȯ-fəl 

1

a

: being in harmony with the law

a lawful judgment

b

: constituted, authorized, or established by law : rightful

lawful institutions

2

: law-abiding

lawful citizens

lawfully

ˈlȯ-f(ə-)lē 

adverb

lawfulness

ˈlȯ-fəl-nəs 

noun

lawfulness

2 of 2

noun

law·​ful·​ness -fəlnə̇s 

plural -es

: the quality or state of being lawful : legality

Synonyms of lawful

Adjective

• legitimate
• legal

Choose the Right Synonym for lawful

lawful, legal, legitimate, licit 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

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

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

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

Examples of lawful in a Sentence

Adjective

a lawful search of the property

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

Recent Examples on the Web

Adjective

Courts nationwide have upheld their lawful application when paired with such safeguards. — Charles "chuck" Broadway, The Orlando Sentinel, 10 July 2026

This pursuit is designed to intimidate lawful speech, pure and simple. — Landon Mion, FOXNews.com, 7 July 2026

In March, South Korean President Lee Jae Myung warned on X that oil refiners and corporations engaged in price-fixing would be held accountable, vowing to deploy all lawful measures against unethical business practices. — Jenny Lee, CNBC, 6 July 2026

This pursuit is designed to intimidate lawful speech, pure and simple. — Jude Joffe-Block, NPR, 6 July 2026

Word History

Etymology

Noun

Middle English lahfulnesse, from lahful, laweful lawful + -nesse -ness

First Known Use

Adjective

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Rhymes for lawful

• awful
• offal
• waffle
• unlawful

Kids Definition

lawful

adjective

law·​ful ˈlȯ-fəl 

1

: permitted by law

lawful conduct

2

: recognized by law : rightful

the lawful owner

lawfully

-f(ə-)lē 

adverb

lawfulness

-fəl-nəs 

noun

Legal Definition

lawful

adjective

law·​ful

1

a

: being in harmony with the law

a lawful judgment

a lawful purpose

b

: constituted, authorized, or established by law

a lawful duty

2

: law-abiding

lawful citizens

lawfully adverb

lawfulness noun