legalese
noun
le·gal·ese
ˌlē-gə-ˈlēz 
-ˈlēs
-ˈlēs
: the specialized language of the legal profession
replaced legalese with plain talk—
Steve Weinberg
Steve WeinbergExamples of legalese in a Sentence
I was confused by the legalese in the contract.
Recent Examples on the Web
Jason Bateman should start brushing up on his legalese.
—Brent Lang, Variety, 3 Oct. 2025
The position paper released by China's Foreign Ministry on Tuesday was part of an escalating war of words over wartime legalese that has unfolded across interested capitals in recent weeks.
—Micah McCartney, MSNBC Newsweek, 2 Oct. 2025
New vehicles all come protected by the manufacturer’s warranty, which is necessary knowledge to absorb even if it is punctuated with legalese.
—Jim Gorzelany, Forbes.com, 17 Sep. 2025
That specialization enables his team to delve into the technical nuances of estate planning while also mastering the softer skills of listening and translating legalese into workable plans.
—Malana Vantyler, USA Today, 15 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for legalese
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Brent Lang, Variety, 3 Oct. 2025
The position paper released by China's Foreign Ministry on Tuesday was part of an escalating war of words over wartime legalese that has unfolded across interested capitals in recent weeks.
—Micah McCartney, MSNBC Newsweek, 2 Oct. 2025
New vehicles all come protected by the manufacturer’s warranty, which is necessary knowledge to absorb even if it is punctuated with legalese.
—Jim Gorzelany, Forbes.com, 17 Sep. 2025
That specialization enables his team to delve into the technical nuances of estate planning while also mastering the softer skills of listening and translating legalese into workable plans.
—Malana Vantyler, USA Today, 15 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for legalese
Cite this Entry
“Legalese.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/legalese. Accessed 3 Nov. 2025.
Copy CitationLegal Definition
legalese
noun
le·gal·ese
ˌlē-gə-ˈlēz, -ˈlēs
: the specialized language of the legal profession
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