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: being in accordance with what is just, good, or proper
right conduct
3
: conforming to facts or truth : correct
the right answer
4
: suitable, appropriate
the right man for the job
5
: straight
a right line
7
a
: of, relating to, situated on, or being the side of the body which is away from the side on which the heart is mostly located
b
: located nearer to the right hand than to the left
c
: located to the right of an observer facing the object specified or directed as the right arm would point when raised out to the side
d(1)
: located on the right of an observer facing in the same direction as the object specified
stage right
(2)
: located on the right when facing downstream
the right bank of a river
e
: done with the right hand
a right hook to the jaw
8
: having the axis perpendicular to the base
right cone
9
: of, relating to, or constituting the principal or more prominent side of an object
made sure the socks were right side out
10
: acting or judging in accordance with truth or fact
time proved her right
11
a
: being in good physical or mental health or order
not in his right mind
b
: being in a correct or proper state
put things right
12
: most favorable or desired : preferable
also
: socially acceptable
knew all the right people
13
often capitalized
: of, adhering to, or constituted by the Right especially in politics
rightness
noun
1
: qualities (such as adherence to duty or obedience to lawful authority) that together constitute the ideal of moral propriety or merit moral approval
2
: something to which one has a just claim: such as
a
: the power or privilege to which one is justly entitled
voting rights
his right to decide
b(1)
: the interest that one has in a piece of property
—often used in plural
mineral rights
(2)
rights plural
: the property interest possessed under law or custom and agreement in an intangible thing especially of a literary and artistic nature
film rights of the novel
3
: something that one may properly claim as due
knowing the truth is her right
4
: the cause of truth or justice
5
a
: right hand sense 1a
also
: a blow struck with this hand
gave him a hard right on the jaw
b
: the location or direction of the right side
woods on his right
c
: the part on the right side
d
e
: a turn to the right
take a right at the stop sign
6
a
: the true account or correct interpretation
b
: the quality or state of being factually correct
7
often capitalized
a
: the part of a legislative chamber located to the right of the presiding officer
b
: the members of a continental European legislative body occupying the right as a result of holding more conservative political views than other members
8
a
often capitalized
: individuals professing support of the established order and favoring traditional attitudes and practices and conservative governmental policies
b
often capitalized
: a conservative position
9
a
: a privilege given stockholders to subscribe pro rata to a new issue of securities generally below market price
b
: the negotiable certificate evidencing such privilege
—usually used in plural
1
: according to right
live right
2
: in the exact location, position, or moment : precisely
right at his fingertips
quit right then and there
3
: in a suitable, proper, or desired manner
knew he wasn't doing it right
4
5
: according to fact or truth : truly
guessed right
6
a
: all the way
windows right to the floor
b
: in a complete manner
felt right at home
7
: without delay : immediately
right after lunch
8
: to a great degree : very
a right pleasant day
9
: on or to the right
looked left and right
righted; righting; rights
1
2
: avenge
vows to right the injustice done to his family
3
a
: to adjust or restore to the proper state or condition
right the economy
b
: to bring or restore to an upright position
right a capsized boat
: to become upright
righter
noun
Synonyms
Example Sentences
Adjective
You can't treat me like this! It's not right!
You were right to tell the teacher about the girl who you saw cheating.
Telling the teacher was the right thing to do.
“Is that clock right? Is it noon already?” “Yes. That's right.”
There's something not quite right about his story.
Their theory was proved right.
Let me get this right—you want me to lend you $1,000?!
You're right; the answer is six.
I bet you like baseball. Am I right?
Am I right in thinking that he should have never loaned her the money?
Noun
We discussed the rights and wrongs of genetic cloning.
women fighting for equal rights
Knowing the truth is her right.
Adverb
The keys are right where I said they would be.
“Where are my keys?” “They're right here.”
The bank is right next to the pharmacy.
The parking lot is right in front of the building.
He left his bags right in the middle of the floor.
She was waiting right outside the door.
The ball hit me right in the face.
We arrived right at noon.
You are right on time.
When the boss yelled at him, he quit right then and there.
Verb
It was time to right an old wrong.
No one can right all the wrongs in the world.
The government needs to do something to right the economy.
They righted the capsized boat.
He quickly righted himself after he fell off the chair.
See More
Recent Examples on the Web
Josh Dubow, BostonGlobe.com, 6 Mar. 2023
In fact, none of its takes were necessarily right or wrong (except the mystifying stuff about EDM soundtracking these restaurants).
—Ali Francis, Bon Appétit, 6 Mar. 2023
On Wednesday, Harper will report to Clearwater, Florida, to start his spring training, which has been delayed as the Philadelphia Phillies slugger recovers from reconstructive surgery on his right elbow.
—Bernie Wilson, ajc, 6 Mar. 2023
Russia blamed the reported attack in Bryansk on Ukrainian saboteurs, but Kyiv denied responsibility, and fighters identifying themselves as members of a far-right anti-Putin group claimed responsibility.
—Rachel Pannett, Washington Post, 6 Mar. 2023
The promises of going flat are understandably enticing, but flat organizations are tricky to get right.
—Amber Stephenson, Fortune, 6 Mar. 2023
Step your right foot out into a lunge position, bending both knees to 90-degrees, and rotating your arms and torso over your front leg.
—Andi Breitowich, Women's Health, 6 Mar. 2023
So far,54% of fellow quiz fans have gotten eight or more questions right.
—Andrew Torgan, CNN, 5 Mar. 2023
Twenty-two players from Alabama high schools and colleges got on the field during the third week of the XFL’s 2023 season: Seattle Sea Dragons 30, Vegas Vipers 26 · Quinterrius Eatmon (Vigor) started at right tackle for the Vipers.
—Mark Inabinett | Minabinett@al.com, al, 5 Mar. 2023
Addison Aloian, Women's Health, 23 Feb. 2023
For example, what happens when a former employee exercises their right to erasure?
—Rajesh Parthasarathy, Forbes, 23 Feb. 2023
The chaise can be changed from left to right to suit your space.
—Nafeesah Allen, Better Homes & Gardens, 22 Feb. 2023
Chappelle waived his right to a grand jury hearing and pleaded guilty the next month.
—oregonlive, 22 Feb. 2023
From left to right: Pravesh Ranchod, Pelonomi Moiloa, Benjamin Rosman, George Konidaris, Jade Abbott, and Vukosi Marivate.
—WIRED, 17 Feb. 2023
All who work meanwhile also suffered a crushing setback to their right to decent pay and safe workplaces thanks to the recent Supreme Court ruling in Janus v. AFSCME.
—Heather Ann Thompson, CNN, 16 Feb. 2023
To my right are forested mountains, some sliced in half by mining activity; to my left is the sea.
—Michelle Jana Chan, Condé Nast Traveler, 14 Feb. 2023
Analysis of the LaRouche movement, when it’s taken seriously, tends to focus on the drift from left to right, from the Marxist-Leninism of his New Left days in the 1960s to reactionary conspiratorial populism from the 1970s.
—Tommy Craggs, The New Republic, 13 Feb. 2023
Ira Winderman, Sun Sentinel, 23 Feb. 2023
He had been thrust into the role right before training camp when last year’s coach, Ime Udoka, was suspended for unspecified violations of team policies.
—Sopan Deb, New York Times, 22 Feb. 2023
So far, his office has caught one other case – right before the 26-year-old man involved, Casey Dewrell Austin of Scappoose, was set to be sentenced to a year and three months in prison for felony driving while suspended.
—oregonlive, 22 Feb. 2023
In 2019, the Bruins went on a Western road trip right before the NHL trade deadline.
—Globe Staff, BostonGlobe.com, 21 Feb. 2023
With Giannis Antetokounmpo hurting his wrist right before the all-star break and Bobby Portis working his way back from knee and ankle issues, Leonard gives the Bucks some frontcourt depth.
—Ben Steele, Journal Sentinel, 20 Feb. 2023
Cherrell Brown, 33, had been trying to purchase a home since right before the pandemic.
—Lizzie Kane, Chicago Tribune, 19 Feb. 2023
Then he got traded Feb. 14 to Orlando right before the trade deadline in the 2016-17 season.
—Duane Rankin, The Arizona Republic, 16 Feb. 2023
The designer Ian Felton, who created a custom bench for the penthouse, recently rushed a glass table to a project in Miami right before deadline.
—Helena Madden, ELLE Decor, 15 Feb. 2023
Alison Cross, Hartford Courant, 21 Feb. 2023
For a moneyline bet, take the Boilermakers here as Edey and company will right the ship following their second loss of the year.
—Ian Firstenberg, Chicago Tribune, 9 Feb. 2023
Of course, the idea is that Gunn and Safran will right the ship.
—Rebecca Rubin, Variety, 16 Nov. 2022
The Brewers could also stand pat, wait for Peralta and Peterson to get back from the injured list, expect Hader to right himself and wish for Adames to rediscover his second-half magic from a year ago.
—Benjamin Hoffman, New York Times, 26 July 2022
Jim Tressel’s arrival allowed the Buckeyes to right the ship in the Michigan rivalry while cementing themselves as one of the nation’s best programs.
—Stephen Means, cleveland, 9 June 2022
Teammates are optimistic the run game will right its course.
—Jori Epstein, USA TODAY, 10 Dec. 2021
These 2 tax changes will right a wrong inflicted on Michiganders 12 years ago.
—Detroit Free Press, 25 Jan. 2023
The party is now desperate for someone to right the ship after months of chaos — both during Truss’ short term and at the end of Johnson’s.
—Jill Lawless, Anchorage Daily News, 24 Oct. 2022
See More
Adjective
Read full article Purdy tore the ulnar collateral ligament in his right elbow on the first drive of a 31-7 loss in the NFC title game to Philadelphia Jan. 29.
—Josh Dubow, BostonGlobe.com, 6 Mar. 2023
In fact, none of its takes were necessarily right or wrong (except the mystifying stuff about EDM soundtracking these restaurants).
—Ali Francis, Bon Appétit, 6 Mar. 2023
On Wednesday, Harper will report to Clearwater, Florida, to start his spring training, which has been delayed as the Philadelphia Phillies slugger recovers from reconstructive surgery on his right elbow.
—Bernie Wilson, ajc, 6 Mar. 2023
Russia blamed the reported attack in Bryansk on Ukrainian saboteurs, but Kyiv denied responsibility, and fighters identifying themselves as members of a far-right anti-Putin group claimed responsibility.
—Rachel Pannett, Washington Post, 6 Mar. 2023
The promises of going flat are understandably enticing, but flat organizations are tricky to get right.
—Amber Stephenson, Fortune, 6 Mar. 2023
Step your right foot out into a lunge position, bending both knees to 90-degrees, and rotating your arms and torso over your front leg.
—Andi Breitowich, Women's Health, 6 Mar. 2023
So far,54% of fellow quiz fans have gotten eight or more questions right.
—Andrew Torgan, CNN, 5 Mar. 2023
Twenty-two players from Alabama high schools and colleges got on the field during the third week of the XFL’s 2023 season: Seattle Sea Dragons 30, Vegas Vipers 26 · Quinterrius Eatmon (Vigor) started at right tackle for the Vipers.
—Mark Inabinett | Minabinett@al.com, al, 5 Mar. 2023
Noun
Keeping both elbows bent, slowly circle the kettlebell around your head to your right.
—Addison Aloian, Women's Health, 23 Feb. 2023
For example, what happens when a former employee exercises their right to erasure?
—Rajesh Parthasarathy, Forbes, 23 Feb. 2023
The chaise can be changed from left to right to suit your space.
—Nafeesah Allen, Better Homes & Gardens, 22 Feb. 2023
Chappelle waived his right to a grand jury hearing and pleaded guilty the next month.
—oregonlive, 22 Feb. 2023
From left to right: Pravesh Ranchod, Pelonomi Moiloa, Benjamin Rosman, George Konidaris, Jade Abbott, and Vukosi Marivate.
—WIRED, 17 Feb. 2023
All who work meanwhile also suffered a crushing setback to their right to decent pay and safe workplaces thanks to the recent Supreme Court ruling in Janus v. AFSCME.
—Heather Ann Thompson, CNN, 16 Feb. 2023
To my right are forested mountains, some sliced in half by mining activity; to my left is the sea.
—Michelle Jana Chan, Condé Nast Traveler, 14 Feb. 2023
Analysis of the LaRouche movement, when it’s taken seriously, tends to focus on the drift from left to right, from the Marxist-Leninism of his New Left days in the 1960s to reactionary conspiratorial populism from the 1970s.
—Tommy Craggs, The New Republic, 13 Feb. 2023
Adverb
But in the costly loss in Brooklyn right before the All-Star break, Jimmy was not in anywhere close to big-game mode.
—Ira Winderman, Sun Sentinel, 23 Feb. 2023
He had been thrust into the role right before training camp when last year’s coach, Ime Udoka, was suspended for unspecified violations of team policies.
—Sopan Deb, New York Times, 22 Feb. 2023
So far, his office has caught one other case – right before the 26-year-old man involved, Casey Dewrell Austin of Scappoose, was set to be sentenced to a year and three months in prison for felony driving while suspended.
—oregonlive, 22 Feb. 2023
In 2019, the Bruins went on a Western road trip right before the NHL trade deadline.
—Globe Staff, BostonGlobe.com, 21 Feb. 2023
With Giannis Antetokounmpo hurting his wrist right before the all-star break and Bobby Portis working his way back from knee and ankle issues, Leonard gives the Bucks some frontcourt depth.
—Ben Steele, Journal Sentinel, 20 Feb. 2023
Cherrell Brown, 33, had been trying to purchase a home since right before the pandemic.
—Lizzie Kane, Chicago Tribune, 19 Feb. 2023
Then he got traded Feb. 14 to Orlando right before the trade deadline in the 2016-17 season.
—Duane Rankin, The Arizona Republic, 16 Feb. 2023
The designer Ian Felton, who created a custom bench for the penthouse, recently rushed a glass table to a project in Miami right before deadline.
—Helena Madden, ELLE Decor, 15 Feb. 2023
Verb
Tenant-advocates argue the current housing situation has gotten out of control and only a cap can right its course.
—Alison Cross, Hartford Courant, 21 Feb. 2023
For a moneyline bet, take the Boilermakers here as Edey and company will right the ship following their second loss of the year.
—Ian Firstenberg, Chicago Tribune, 9 Feb. 2023
Of course, the idea is that Gunn and Safran will right the ship.
—Rebecca Rubin, Variety, 16 Nov. 2022
The Brewers could also stand pat, wait for Peralta and Peterson to get back from the injured list, expect Hader to right himself and wish for Adames to rediscover his second-half magic from a year ago.
—Benjamin Hoffman, New York Times, 26 July 2022
Jim Tressel’s arrival allowed the Buckeyes to right the ship in the Michigan rivalry while cementing themselves as one of the nation’s best programs.
—Stephen Means, cleveland, 9 June 2022
Teammates are optimistic the run game will right its course.
—Jori Epstein, USA TODAY, 10 Dec. 2021
These 2 tax changes will right a wrong inflicted on Michiganders 12 years ago.
—Detroit Free Press, 25 Jan. 2023
The party is now desperate for someone to right the ship after months of chaos — both during Truss’ short term and at the end of Johnson’s.
—Jill Lawless, Anchorage Daily News, 24 Oct. 2022
See More
These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'right.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Word History
Etymology
Adjective
Middle English, from Old English riht; akin to Old High German reht right, Latin rectus straight, right, regere to lead straight, direct, rule, rogare to ask, Greek oregein to stretch out
Noun
Middle English, from Old English riht, from riht, adjective
First Known Use
Adjective
before the 12th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1
Noun
before the 12th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1
Adverb
before the 12th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1
Verb
before the 12th century, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1a
Time Traveler
The first known use of right was
before the 12th century
Phrases Containing right
Dictionary Entries Near right
Cite this Entry
“Right.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/right. Accessed 8 Mar. 2023.
Kids Definition
right
1 of 4 adjective1
2
: following what is just, good, or proper
right conduct
3
: agreeing with facts or truth : correct
the right answer
4
: appropriate entry 2, suitable
the right person for the job
the right tool
5
: straight sense 1
a right line
6
7
a
: of, relating to, situated on, or being the side of the body which is away from the side on which the heart is mostly located
the right leg
b
: located nearer to the right side of the body
the right arm of the chair
8
: being shaped in such a way that a line drawn from the middle of the top to the middle of the base is perpendicular to the base
a right cone
9
: being or meant to be the side on top, in front, or on the outside
landed right side up
right side out
10
: acting or judging in a way that agrees with truth or fact
time proved us right
11
: healthy in mind or body
did not feel right
12
: most worth having or seeking
the right neighborhoods
the right people
rightness
noun
right
2 of 4 noun1
: the ideal of what is just and good
2
: something to which one has a just claim
—often used in plural
the right to freedom of religionthe movie rights to a story
3
: something that one may properly claim as due
knowing the truth is her right
4
: the cause of truth or justice
fighting for right
5
a
: the right side or the part on the right side
b
: a turn to the right
take a right at the stop sign
6
: the quality or state of being factually correct
there's both right and wrong in that argument
7
often capitalized
: the members of a European legislative body sitting to the right of the officer in charge and holding more conservative political views than other members
8
often capitalized
: political conservatives
right
3 of 4 adverb1
: according to right
live right
2
: in the exact location or position : precisely
right where you left it
3
: in a suitable, proper, or desired manner
hold your pen right
4
: in a direct line or course
go right home
5
: according to fact or truth : truly
guess right
heard right
6
: all the way
windows right to the floor
7
: without delay : immediately
right at 2 o'clock
8
: to a great degree : very
a right pleasant day
right
4 of 4 verb1
: to make right (something wrong or unjust)
2
a
: to adjust or restore to the proper state or condition
b
: to bring or restore to an upright position
3
: to become upright
righter
noun
Medical Definition
right
adjective
: of, relating to, or being the side of the body which is away from the heart and on which the hand is stronger in most people
her right foot
also
: located nearer to this side than to the left
right
adverb
Legal Definition
right
nounˈrīt
1
a
: qualities (as adherence to duty or obedience to lawful authority) that together constitute the ideal of moral propriety or merit moral approval
b
: something that is morally just
able to distinguish right from wrong
2
: something to which one has a just claim: as
a
: a power, privilege, or condition of existence to which one has a natural claim of enjoyment or possession
the right of liberty
that all men…are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable rights—Declaration of Independence
see also natural right
Declaration of Independence
b
: a power, privilege, immunity, or capacity the enjoyment of which is secured to a person by law
one's constitutional rights
c
: a legally enforceable claim against another that the other will do or will not do a given act
the defendant may be under a legal duty…to exercise reasonable care for the plaintiff's safety, so that the plaintiff has a corresponding legal right to insist on that care—W. L. Prosser and W. P. Keeton
W. L. Prosser and W. P. Keeton
d
: the interest that one has in property : a claim or title to property
—often used in pl.
leasing mineral rights
see also real right
e
plural
: the interest in property possessed (as under copyright law) in an intangible thing and especially an item of intellectual property
obtained publishing rights
3
: a privilege given stockholders to subscribe pro rata to a new issue of securities generally below market price
More from Merriam-Webster on right
Nglish: Translation of right for Spanish Speakers
Britannica English: Translation of right for Arabic Speakers
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
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