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
Multiple cars off to the right with flat tires. 2 right lanes blocked. — Chelsea Prince, ajc, "BREAKING: 3 tractor-trailers collide, jam traffic before I-20 in Douglas County," 12 July 2018 The young Parisian has a very long way to go to match the career of the three-time world player of the year, but like Zidane, Mbappé has the talent to make the devastating difference for a side focused on getting all the small things right. — Brian Straus, SI.com, "Le Bleuprint: France Follows Familiar World Cup Path in Reaching Final," 10 July 2018 Gee made a landmark ruling in another case in 2013 that gave mentally disabled immigrants the right to legal representation if they were detained and facing deportation. — Brian Melley, The Seattle Times, "Judge puts blame on Trump, Congress for immigration crisis," 10 July 2018 An Oklahoman who grew up among family members who taught him how to handle guns, Whittle vigorously defends the right to bear arms. — Frances Stead Sellers, Washington Post, "Two Oklahoma citizens killed an active shooter, and it's not as simple as it sounds," 13 July 2018 The accord, which came into full effect only a few months ago, will expire in three years unless the two presidents exercise their right to extend it until 2026. — The Economist, "What Donald Trump and Vladimir Putin ought to talk about in Helsinki," 12 July 2018 So with the scene set, let’s get right to your questions in this latest edition of the Sentinel’s Magic Mailbag. — Josh Robbins, OrlandoSentinel.com, "Magic Mailbag: What’s the deal with Orlando’s point guard situation?," 12 July 2018 Cruz’s profile as a stalwart of the right mobilizes conservative donors as well. — Kevin Diaz And Alejandra Matos, San Antonio Express-News, "O’Rourke vs. Cruz draws millions in contributions from outside of Texas," 11 July 2018 Of course, those returns are supposed to compensate the risks investors take, right? — Lucaswpcom, Fortune, "Live Fast, Die Young: Many Startups Powered by Initial Coin Offerings Don't Last, But There's Still Money to Be Made," 10 July 2018Recent Examples on the Web: Noun
Every citizen has the right to petition their government. — Josh Baugh, San Antonio Express-News, "Paid sick leave initiative signatures said to be enough," 6 July 2018 Clinton, in her 2012 remarks, also cited Mr. Gallagher’s determination to serve, using him to represent the whole pre-gay-rights era. — Neil Genzlinger, BostonGlobe.com, "Tom Gallagher, diplomat who became a gay activist, dies at 77," 13 July 2018 For starters, the film reportedly frames the reproductive-rights movement as an elaborate racist conspiracy theory. — Anna Silman, The Cut, "The Pro-Life ‘Roe v. Wade’ Movie Sounds Like a Total Disaster," 13 July 2018 Twitter has gone to great lengths to appease the right, and any purge, however justified, would result in waves of negative coverage from Fox News and the Drudge Report. — Alex Shephard, The New Republic, "Is Twitter Good Now?," 13 July 2018 Virsajko lobbed in a better cross from the right, and Perisic ran around both Trippier and Walker to stab it home with his left foot. — Rory Smith, New York Times, "Croatia Digs Deeper, Burying England’s World Cup Dreams," 12 July 2018 On the right, Mike Dunleavy and Mead Treadwell—Republicans who will face off during next month’s primary election—have ardently supported more drilling while at times questioning human’s role in global warming. — Kelsey Brugger, Scientific American, "Alaska Wants to Fight Warming While Still Drilling for Oil," 12 July 2018 Other times, Emily leans in on personal connection, penning heartfelt essays on family separation, gun rights, or elections. — Sarah Weinberg, House Beautiful, "It's Always Happy Hour At Emily Henderson's," 12 July 2018 The right to choose and access to healthcare are on the line. — Essence.com, "Black Women Come Out In Droves To Protest Supreme Court Nominee Brett Kavanaugh," 12 July 2018Recent Examples on the Web: Adverb
Antigone — sister to the dead men, and niece to Creon, the king — is determined to do right by both of her brothers. — Laura Collins-hughes, New York Times, "Review: ‘Antigone’ Asserts Whose Lives Matter, With Modern Relevance," 9 July 2018 As the sun sets on his brilliant career, the Rangers should do right by Beltré and give him a shot to win a ring in what could be his last year. — Si.com Staff, SI.com, "Nine Innings: Solving the Yankees' Sonny Gray Problem, AL East Deciding Factors and Our Favorite Statcast Quirks," 2 July 2018 As the FIFA World Cup comes to an end in Russia on July 15, another world competition will begin right here in Cincinnati for ultimate Frisbee. — Madeline Mitchell, Cincinnati.com, "World Ultimate Club Championships: Watch like an expert," 12 July 2018 But that indoor stadium won't be finished until the summer of 2020, right around the time of the convention. — Steve Harrison, charlotteobserver, "Mayor Lyles defends pursuit of Republican convention to skeptical fellow Democrats," 11 July 2018 Get a glimpse of how those Milwaukee Home T-shirts are made right here in Oak Creek at Redwall Screen Printing. — Sarah Hauer, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, "MilwaukeeHome T-shirt creator leaving the business but that doesn't mean the brand is done," 8 July 2018 The last two pitchers to shut out the Marlins each won Cy Youngs: Arrieta and Diamondbacks right-hander Zack Greinke. — Matthew Defranks, Sun-Sentinel.com, "A Closer Look: Philadelphia Phillies 2, Miami Marlins 0," 14 July 2018 The Marlins came right back with a pair of runs in the second against Jhoulys Chacín, who surrendered a double, two singles and a walk. — Todd Rosiak, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, "Brewers 8, Marlins 4: Christian Yelich torments his former team," 10 July 2018 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 2018Recent Examples on the Web: Verb
The Pistons have only had one playoff appearance in the last nine seasons, but Gores believes Casey may be the person to right the ship. — George Stoia, Detroit Free Press, "Pistons introduce Dwane Casey as head coach: 'We have to win'," 20 June 2018 So, what happened within the last dozen years to right this franchise ship? — Sam Ferguson, Ars Technica, "A dozen years after near-death, Star Trek’s future may be stronger than ever," 19 May 2018 Playing alongside Ocean’s 8 is Overboard, a movie which tries to right the slightly creepy, sexist ills of the 1987 Goldie Hawn/Kurt Russell version by flipping the lead couple. — refinery29.com, "No More “But With Women” Remakes. Just Make Better Movies For Women.," 13 June 2018 To right the ship, Apple brought Steve Jobs back as the company's interim CEO. — Jordan Mcmahon, WIRED, "How One Apple Programmer Got Apps Talking to Each Other," 2 June 2018 South Alabama tries to right the ship on Tuesday night at Stanky Field, hosting Alabama State (8-4) at 6:30 p.m. — Creg Stephenson, AL.com, "South Alabama baseball tumbles from national polls after 0-5 week," 5 Mar. 2018 The first female head of the judiciary, Sereno, 57, had publicly questioned the legality of Duterte’s war on drugs, which rights groups say has killed thousands of people. — New York Times, BostonGlobe.com, "Philippine court removes chief justice, a critic of Rodrigo Duterte," 11 May 2018 With a fresh start, Zverev righted things and rolled 6-1, 6-2 to wrap up the match. — Bryce Miller, sandiegouniontribune.com, "Lakers could contend sooner than you think; much work remains for Padres," 6 July 2018 But the play gradually rights itself, and the complexity of the students and their situation comes into focus: in Act I, their fight to get through the school doors; in Act II, what happens inside. — New York Times, "Review: 9 Brave Students and the Shame of ‘Little Rock’," 2 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
5 Nov 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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