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.
Not in beautiful, free, law-abiding Florida. Zach Dean Outkick, FOXNews.com, 3 June 2026 In the past, immigration authorities could exercise their discretion by not focusing resources on people who were otherwise law-abiding and maybe had a family, Dougherty said. Idaho Statesman, 28 May 2026 Californians are paying nearly seven dollars a gallon for gas, struggling under crushing housing and energy costs, watching businesses flee the state, and seeing government increasingly prioritize ideological activism over the needs of law-abiding citizens. Kaitlyn Schallhorn, Oc Register, 21 May 2026 Why should law-abiding citizens have to pay for the irresponsible actions of others? Dp Opinion, Denver Post, 18 May 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

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Cite this Entry

“Law-abiding.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/law-abiding. Accessed 5 Jun. 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

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