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.
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 Pennsylvania’s 1682 frame of government promised that law-abiding people would not be persecuted for their religious views or forced to worship. Peter C. Mancall, The Conversation, 24 June 2026 To raise law-abiding, good people who love their family members and lend a helping hand when needed. Anna Halkidis, Parents, 18 June 2026 Now Lestat has joined them, parading his vampirism to anyone who buys a ticket and drawing more and more ire from his law-abiding peers. Ben Travers, IndieWire, 7 June 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

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

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