law-abiding

adjective

law-abid·​ing ˈlȯ-ə-ˌbī-diŋ 

: abiding by or obedient to the law

law-abiding citizens

law-abidingness noun

Synonyms of law-abiding

• obedient

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

On this occasion, the members refrained from engaging in violence and property damage, projecting an image of law-abiding, orderly activism. — Odette Yousef, NPR, 11 July 2026

Congress needs to work towards comprehensive immigration reform that strengthens security while providing a fair pathway to citizenship for long-standing, law-abiding immigrants. — Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick, Sun Sentinel, 9 July 2026

With a subjective standard, an applicant who is quiet, polished and familiar to the licensing office may pass this test, while another who is equally law-abiding but perhaps less polished or more socially awkward may fail. — George A. Mocsary, The Conversation, 7 July 2026

Russia and China are using lawfare—strategically and intentionally exploiting gaps in international law—to thwart law-abiding states’ attempts to stop the shadow fleet. — Jill Goldenziel, Forbes.com, 26 June 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1756, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for law-abiding

• coinciding
• overriding
• subdividing
• abiding
• backsliding
• colliding
• confiding
• deciding
• deriding
• dividing
• nitriding
• presiding

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