by rights

phrase

variants or less commonly by all rights

: with reason or justice : properly

Word History

First Known Use

1738, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler

The first known use of by rights was in 1738

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by right

by rights

byrlady

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Cite this Entry

Style

“By rights.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/by%20rights. Accessed 11 Mar. 2026.

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Last Updated: 24 Feb 2026 - Definition revised

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