legally

adverb

le·​gal·​ly ˈlē-gə-lē 

1

: in a legal manner : in accordance with the law

a transfer that was not done legally

a drug that can now be legally bought and sold in many countries

2

: from the point of view of law

Legally, she had no claim to the estate.

They were not legally obligated to provide assistance.

a person who is legally blind [=who is blind according to the legal definition of blindness]

legally drunk [=drunk according to the legal definition of drunkenness]

Synonyms of legally

• ethically
• fairly
• morally
• honorably
• fair
• cleanly
• clean

Examples of legally in a Sentence

that's not a move that can be made legally in chess

Recent Examples on the Web

The White House announced the cuts through a legally nebulous ‘pocket rescission’ just five days before the fiscal year ends. — Andrew J. Campa, Los Angeles Times, 27 Sep. 2026

The murder weapon is of course important evidence, but legally it’s not required to get a guilty verdict. — Eric Levenson, CNN Money, 26 Sep. 2026

However, the chapter continues to be recognized by its national organization, and thus was legally permitted to operate as a fraternity chapter unaffiliated with the university. — Madison E. Goldberg, PEOPLE, 25 Sep. 2026

In August, Judge Gallagher found DHS in civil contempt, ruling that the government was repeatedly removing young asylum seekers it was legally barred from deporting. — Laura Romero, ABC News, 25 Sep. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1581, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for legally

• illegally