right
adjective
\
Definition of right
(Entry 1 of 4)
2 : 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
7a : 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
11a : 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
right
nounDefinition of right (Entry 2 of 4)
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
5a : 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 : right field
e : a turn to the right take a right at the stop sign
6a : 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
8a 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
9a : 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
: with reason or justice : properly
: by virtue of one's own qualifications or properties
1 : as an absolute right
2 : legally or morally exactable
: into proper order
right
adverbDefinition of right (Entry 3 of 4)
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 : in a direct line, course, or manner : directly, straight go right home came right out and said it
5 : according to fact or truth : truly guessed right
6a : 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
right
verbDefinition of right (Entry 4 of 4)
1a : to do justice to : redress the injuries of so just is God to right the innocent —William Shakespeare
b : justify, vindicate felt the need to right himself in court
2 : avenge vows to right the injustice done to his family
3a : 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
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Other words from right
Adjective
Noun
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adjective
Verb
Synonyms & Antonyms for right
Synonyms: Adjective
all right, decent, ethical, good, honest, honorable, just, moral, nice, right-minded, righteous, straight, upright, virtuous
Synonyms: Noun
Synonyms: Adverb
achingly, almighty, archly, awful, awfully, badly, beastly, blisteringly, bone, colossally, dang, deadly, desperately, eminently, enormously, especially, ever, exceedingly (also exceeding), extra, extremely, fabulously, fantastically, far, fiercely, filthy, frightfully, full, greatly, heavily, highly, hugely, immensely, incredibly, intensely, jolly, majorly, mightily, mighty, mortally, most, much, particularly, passing, real, really, roaring, seriously, severely, so, sore, sorely, spanking, specially, such, super, supremely, surpassingly, terribly, that, thumping, too, uncommonly, vastly, very, vitally, way, whacking, wicked, wildly
Antonyms: Adjective
bad, black, dishonest, dishonorable, evil, evil-minded, immoral, indecent, sinful, unethical, unrighteous, wicked, wrong
Antonyms: Noun
inequity, injustice, raw deal, wrong
Antonyms: Adverb
little, negligibly, nominally, slightly, somewhat
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Examples of right in a Sentence
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.
Recent Examples on the Web: Adjective
When asked if the dimensions of Marlins Park are a factor, right-hander Dan Straily shrugged his shoulders. — Mike Persak, Sun-Sentinel.com, "Marlins pitchers downplay effect of Marlins Park on better home splits," 14 July 2018 With Slegers going on the disabled list, the Twins will recall right-hander Fernando Romero from Triple-A Rochester to start Sunday. — Brian Hall, OrlandoSentinel.com, "Tampa Bay Rays turn three-inning outburst into 19-6 win over Minnesota Twins," 14 July 2018 The right-hander has not appeared in a game since June 5 due to an elbow issue. — Kevin Acee, sandiegouniontribune.com, "Padres notes: Hand's struggles; Richard's survival," 14 July 2018 In July 2016, the Diamondbacks were deep in discussions about a deal that would have sent Miller to the Miami Marlins in exchange for three prospects, including right-handers Jose Urena and Luis Castillo. — Nick Piecoro, azcentral, "Arizona Diamondbacks' Shelby Miller trade still haunting them," 13 July 2018 The right-hander struck out four Twins in the Royals' loss, surrendered seven hits and was charged with four runs in a no-decision here on Wednesday. — Maria Torres, kansascity, "The Royals’ rotation is falling apart. They may have found hope in another Rule 5 get," 11 July 2018 The right-hander pitched reasonably well against a Red Sox team that manhandles just about every pitcher, allowing four runs (three earned) in six innings. — Jeff Wilson, star-telegram, "Rangers Reaction: Were Rangers trying to save Choo’s streak by not using him to hit late?," 11 July 2018 But a move to accommodate more than competitive shooting contests — and in a way that prioritizes creation and what makes the game so often go viral — is a step in the right direction. — Nick Statt, The Verge, "The future of Fortnite may look a lot like Playground mode," 11 July 2018 And instead of being a shining example of a step in the right direction for the school system, he’s headed toward becoming emblematic of a long, worrisome trend. — Philly.com, "A former drug dealer made good and became a Philly teacher. So why is he thinking of leaving the profession?," 11 July 2018Recent Examples on the Web: Noun
Pakistani and international rights groups have accused the military of seeking to maintain its influence in Pakistani politics by keeping Sharif out of power. — NBC News, "More than 100 people killed in Pakistan election violence," 14 July 2018 Pakistani and international rights groups have accused the military of seeking to maintain its influence in Pakistani politics by keeping Sharif out of power. — Zaheer Babar And Abdul Sattar, chicagotribune.com, "74 dead in election violence in Pakistan," 13 July 2018 The statement was formally released at a May conference in Toronto run by digital rights group Access Now. — Joseph Menn, The Christian Science Monitor, "Silicon Valley employees increasingly push companies on ethics," 13 July 2018 Pakistani and international rights groups have accused the military of seeking to maintain its influence in Pakistani politics by keeping Sharif out of power. — Fox News, "Pakistan readies for disgraced ex-PM Sharif's return from UK," 13 July 2018 Pakistani and international rights groups have accused the military of seeking to maintain its influence in Pakistani politics by keeping Sharif out of power. — Zaheer Babar And Abdul Sattar, USA TODAY, "At least 74 people killed in Pakistan election violence," 13 July 2018 Human rights groups, who often stand on opposite sides with Ms. Haley on issues like the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and migrant rights, welcomed the resolution. — New York Times, "U.N. Imposes Arms Embargo on South Sudan as Atrocities Go Unabated," 13 July 2018 Pakistani and international rights groups have accused the military of seeking to maintain its influence in politics by keeping Sharif out of power. — Zaheer Babar, BostonGlobe.com, "132 people die in election violence ahead of Sharif’s return," 13 July 2018 So far, that's only included a decision to file a brief before the Michigan Supreme Court in a case that pits the Ann Arbor and Clio school districts against gun-rights groups. — Lori Higgins And Janea Wilson, Detroit Free Press, "Michigan student activists take on voter registration, gun violence," 12 July 2018Recent Examples on the Web: Adverb
Sermanni said right back Ali Krieger – who was rested on Wednesday – should be fit and available. — Jordan Culver, Pro Soccer USA, "Orlando Pride have sense of urgency going into match against Utah Royals," 13 July 2018 Manchester United and West Ham will fight it out to sign Sporting CP right back Cristiano Piccini, according to reports. — SI.com, "Man Utd & West Ham Reportedly Locked in Battle for Sporting CP Full Back Cristiano Piccini," 13 July 2018 Less than a week after suffering through his toughest race of the season — an uncharacteristic 12th-place finish at Iowa Speedway — Scott Dixon climbed right back atop the Verizon IndyCar Series mountain. — Jim Ayello, Indianapolis Star, "Scott Dixon climbs back atop IndyCar mountain as Hondas dominate Day 1 in Toronto," 13 July 2018 Both went to an understaffed rehabilitation facility after leaving the hospital, and both bounced right back to the hospital — five times altogether — because of complications. — Judith Graham, Washington Post, "A Hospital’s Human Touch: Why Taking Care In Discharging A Patient Matters," 12 July 2018 The Mariners recalled right-hander Nick Rumbelow from Class AAA Tacoma to take his spot on the roster. — Ryan Divish, The Seattle Times, "Mariners place Felix Hernandez on the 10-day disabled list," 10 July 2018 The Marlins recalled right-hander Merandy Gonzalez, their No. — Andre C. Fernandez, miamiherald, "Marlins prospect acquired in Yelich trade thriving since scary moment at the plate," 9 July 2018 Brooklyn answered right back, scoring three times off Aberdeen starter and winner Willie Rios. — Randy Mcroberts, The Aegis, "IronBirds get sweep with 5-4 win at Brooklyn," 8 July 2018 On Tuesday, the Trump administration announced plans to revoke guidelines that encourage considering race in the college admissions process as a way of promoting diversity, putting American education right back to the 1950s. — Richard J. Reddick, Fortune, "How Undoing Affirmative Action Hurts America's Colleges," 5 July 2018Recent Examples on the Web: Verb
With this in mind, Brexit is simply a matter of righting a historic wrong. — The Economist, "Meet Dominic Raab: the new Brexit boss," 9 July 2018 To do so would be a small step toward righting the representational balance of a festival that has only awarded the Palme to one female director, Jane Campion. — Justin Chang, latimes.com, "The wonderful, improbable Palme d'Or triumph of Hirokazu Kore-eda's 'Shoplifters' at Cannes," 21 May 2018 So the rest of us must contribute to righting the institutional wrongs of this country. — Andre Perry, The Root, "A Case for Educational Reparations for Formerly Incarcerated People," 6 Apr. 2018 Fortunately, all of you are committed to righting the wrongs. — Paul Egan, Detroit Free Press, "Larry Nassar abuse: Lawmakers want to make sure it never happens again," 25 Jan. 2018 Part of righting the ship comes down to how frequently the Lions have conceded the first goal of the match. — Jordan Culver, Pro Soccer USA, "Orlando City looks to right ship with win against Montreal Impact," 12 June 2018 Was the training a publicity stunt or a genuine effort on behalf of Starbucks to right its wrongs? — Felice León, The Root, "Was the Starbucks Anti-Bias Training a Fail or Nah?," 29 May 2018 Also under scrutiny is the paycheck for the executive director of the island’s fiscal control board, which the U.S. Congress installed to right the island’s fiscal accounts. — Fortune, "Puerto Rico's Bankrupt Utility Has No Leader After Pay Scandal," 12 July 2018 Brian Anderson sliced a single to right that scored J.B. Shuck. — Matthew Defranks, Sun-Sentinel.com, "Marlins denied another walk-off win as Rays outlast Miami in 16 innings," 4 July 2018These 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.
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From the Editors at Merriam-Webster
10 Word Histories from the U.S. Congress
10 Word Histories from the U.S. Congress
Whips, beans, hoppers, and more
Dictionary Entries near right
Statistics for right
Last Updated
10 Sep 2018
Look-up Popularity
Time Traveler for right
The first known use of right was before the 12th century
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More Definitions for right
right
adjective
English Language Learners Definition of right
(Entry 1 of 4)
: morally or socially correct or acceptable
: agreeing with the facts or truth : accurate or correct
: speaking, acting, or judging in a way that agrees with the facts or truth
right
nounEnglish Language Learners Definition of right (Entry 2 of 4)
: behavior that is morally good or correct
: something that a person is or should be morally or legally allowed to have, get, or do
rights : the legal authority to reproduce, publish, broadcast, or sell something
right
adverbEnglish Language Learners Definition of right (Entry 3 of 4)
: in the exact location, position, or moment that is mentioned
: in a direct course or manner
: in a way that agrees with the facts or truth
right
verbEnglish Language Learners Definition of right (Entry 4 of 4)
: to make (something) right : to correct (something wrong or unjust)
: to return (something) to a proper state or condition
: to put (something or someone) back in an upright position
See the full definition for right in the English Language Learners Dictionary
right
adjective
\
Kids Definition of right
(Entry 1 of 4)
1 : following or in accordance with what is just, good, or proper It's not right to lie.
3 : suitable, appropriate He's the right person for the job.
4 : located on the side of the body away from the heart the right arm
5 : located nearer to the right side of the body than to the left the chair's right arm
6 : being or meant to be the side on top, in front, or on the outside The box landed right side up. Turn the socks right side out.
7 : in a normal or healthy state or condition I don't feel right today. That milk doesn't smell right.
8 : straight entry 1 sense 1 a right line
right
nounKids Definition of right (Entry 2 of 4)
1 : the ideal of what is just, good, or proper He hasn't learned right from wrong.
2 : something to which a person has a just claim the right to vote He has a right to be angry.
3 : the cause of truth or justice They fought for right.
4 : the right side : a part or location that is on or toward the right side My house is on the right.
right
adverbKids Definition of right (Entry 3 of 4)
1 : according to what is just, good, or proper She lives right.
2 : in the exact location, position, or moment : precisely It's right where you left it.
3 : in a direct line or course : straight Come right home.
4 : according to truth or fact You guessed right.
5 : in a suitable, proper, or desired way You're not doing it right.
6 : all the way We stayed right to the end of the game.
7 : without delay : immediately Let's go right after lunch.
8 : on or to the right turn right
9 : in a complete way He felt right at home here.
: without delay : immediately The movie started playing right away. —R.J. Palacio, Wonder
right
verbKids Definition of right (Entry 4 of 4)
1 : to make better or more just If only we could right the world's wrongs.
2 : to adjust or restore to a proper state or condition
3 : to bring or bring back to an upright position I righted the books.
4 : to become upright The ship slowly righted again.
right
adjective
\
Medical Definition of right
: 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
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right
nounLegal Definition of right
1a : 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
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
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
1 : as an absolute right
2 : demandable or enforceable under the law an appeal of right
Other words from right
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