law-abiding
adjective
law-abid·ing
ˈlȯ-ə-ˌbī-diŋ 
: abiding by or obedient to the law
law-abiding citizens
law-abidingness
noun
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
This coordination should strengthen public safety, support local law enforcement, and make Louisville’s neighborhoods safer for law-abiding residents.
—
Killian Baarlaer, Louisville Courier Journal, 3 Feb. 2026
Thousands of law-abiding Americans do this every day.
—Jared Gans, The Hill, 29 Jan. 2026
Any good, law-abiding citizens would know better than to put themselves in harm’s way.
—Alexandra Petri, The Atlantic, 28 Jan. 2026
There are so many Somali Americans like me who are law-abiding, hardworking, and deeply invested in this country.
—Abdi Nor Iftin, Time, 27 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for law-abiding
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Killian Baarlaer, Louisville Courier Journal, 3 Feb. 2026
Thousands of law-abiding Americans do this every day.
—Jared Gans, The Hill, 29 Jan. 2026
Any good, law-abiding citizens would know better than to put themselves in harm’s way.
—Alexandra Petri, The Atlantic, 28 Jan. 2026
There are so many Somali Americans like me who are law-abiding, hardworking, and deeply invested in this country.
—Abdi Nor Iftin, Time, 27 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for law-abiding
Cite this Entry
“Law-abiding.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/law-abiding. Accessed 14 Feb. 2026.
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