right

adjective

Save Word

\ ˈrīt

Definition of right

(Entry 1 of 4)

1 : righteous, upright

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

6 : genuine, real

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

noun

Definition 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

by rights or less commonly by all rights

: with reason or justice : properly

in one's own right

: by virtue of one's own qualifications or properties

of right

1 : as an absolute right

2 : legally or morally exactable

to rights

: into proper order

right

adverb

Definition 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

verb

righted; righting; rights

Definition of right (Entry 4 of 4)

transitive verb

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

intransitive verb

: to become upright

Other Words from right Synonyms & Antonyms Choose the Right Synonym More Example Sentences Learn More about right

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Other Words from right

Adjective

rightness noun

Noun

rightmost \ ˈrīt-ˌmōst

\ adjective

Verb

righter noun

Choose the Right Synonym for right

Adjective

correct, accurate, exact, precise, nice, right mean conforming to fact, standard, or truth. correct usually implies freedom from fault or error. correct answers socially correct dress accurate implies fidelity to fact or truth attained by exercise of care. an accurate description exact stresses a very strict agreement with fact, standard, or truth. exact measurements precise adds to exact an emphasis on sharpness of definition or delimitation. precise calibration nice stresses great precision and delicacy of adjustment or discrimination. makes nice distinctions right is close to correct but has a stronger positive emphasis on conformity to fact or truth rather than mere absence of error or fault. the right thing to do

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 If a driver feels the front or back sliding left or right, make a gentle, gradual turn in the same direction to keep the car on course. — Dug Begley, Chron, "Black ice a slippery surprise likely on area roads as re-freeze looms," 15 Feb. 2021 With the confusingly new pandemic raging and cultural organizations being shuttered left and right, normal revenue streams, like admissions and gift-shop sales, had ground to a halt. — Los Angeles Times, "Commentary: While the Met contemplates selling its treasured art, rich trustees sit idle," 14 Feb. 2021 The government backed down to avoid bloodshed, raising the family’s stature in far-right circles. — Tribune News Service, oregonlive, "Ammon Bundy, veteran of armed standoffs, builds militia network on COVID-19 backlash," 14 Feb. 2021 Glue and screw the top and bottom panels in, repeat the steps and attach the left and right side members. — Popular Mechanics Editors, Popular Mechanics, "Three Wine Racks Your Can Build Yourself," 13 Feb. 2021 In a unanimous vote on Wednesday, AIDEA’s board of directors approved spending $35 million on predevelopment work needed to solve those right-of-way issues, permitting problems and other matters. — James Brooks, Anchorage Daily News, "State-owned corporation approves plan to spend $35 million on 200-mile mining road," 11 Feb. 2021 That followed a 145-61 secret-ballot vote this past week in the nation’s capital in which House Republicans overwhelmingly rebuffed a rebellion by hard-right conservatives to toss Cheney from leadership over her impeachment vote. — Time, "Liz Cheney Says She Won't Resign After Wyoming Censure," 7 Feb. 2021 That followed a 145-61 secret-ballot vote this past week in the nation's capital in which House Republicans overwhelmingly rebuffed a rebellion by hard-right conservatives to toss Cheney from leadership over her impeachment vote. — Arkansas Online, "Cheney says she won't quit the House after Wyoming censure," 7 Feb. 2021 However, contrary to Republican complaints, a recent study showed that most social media outlets have helped amplify right-of-center content rather than censor it. — Nihal Krishan, Washington Examiner, "House Republicans say they're being forced into considering Big Tech breakup," 5 Feb. 2021 Recent Examples on the Web: Noun But a public employee is an employee, and even a public employer has the right to exercise some control over its workplace, including in certain circumstances, imposing limits on employee speech. — Jack Greiner, The Enquirer, "Strictly Legal: Police have a first amendment right to speak to the media View online," 17 Feb. 2021 Currently, police have the right to arrest anybody who has marijuana or hemp flower, because both are banned. — London Gibson, The Indianapolis Star, "Legalizing hemp flower could net big money; police say upholding laws would be impossible," 16 Feb. 2021 Of course, anyone has the right to apply for Social Security disability benefits. — Tom Margenau, Dallas News, "Bars and benefits: No Social Security in prison," 14 Feb. 2021 After emotional arguments about the legality of the trial Tuesday, only six Republicans joined the 50 Democrats in voting that the Senate had the right to hear the case — far below the 67 votes needed to convict Trump in the 100-member chamber. — Tal Kopan, San Francisco Chronicle, "Eric Swalwell: Trump 'lit the match' and doused 'kerosene' on insurrection," 10 Feb. 2021 The Arkansas Supreme Court ruled on Thursday that Cherokee Nation Businesses had the right to intervene in litigation over the sole casino license in Pope County. — Arkansas Democrat-gazette, Arkansas Online, "High court lets Cherokee Nation Businesses step into legal battle over Pope County casino," 4 Feb. 2021 But cisgender girls should have the right to compete and succeed, too. — Michael Ruiz, Fox News, "Biden's political correctness could threaten women’s sports: NY Post columnist," 31 Jan. 2021 When any post-1950 Oscar is put up for sale, the Academy has the right to buy it for $1, a spokeswoman for the academy told the New York Times in 2018. — Cydney Henderson, USA TODAY, "Jared Leto reveals his Oscar 'magically kind of disappeared' three years ago," 28 Jan. 2021 Technically speaking, independent contractors don’t have the right to collectively bargain. — Marie Solis, The New Republic, "The Age of the Disappearing Boss," 27 Jan. 2021 Recent Examples on the Web: Adverb After her unquestioned success as a child actor — both in the dark roles of Scorsese and the friendliness of Disney films — Foster took some chances with two films in 1980 right before enrolling at Yale. — Tim Grierson, Vulture, "Every Jodie Foster Movie Performance, Ranked," 19 Feb. 2021 Three fan favourite Bachelor contestants from Matt James' season were eliminated right before Hometowns — Abigail Heringer, Jessenia Cruz, and Pieper James. — Martha Sorren, refinery29.com, "Jessenia, Pieper, & Abigail Have Bachelorette Potential — But Does The Show Even Deserve Them?," 16 Feb. 2021 When Maverick re-opened its doors right before Memorial Day 2020, there was no problem attracting customers again. — Jessica Puckett, Condé Nast Traveler, "How Helicopter Tours Are Getting Guests Into the Sky During COVID-19," 10 Feb. 2021 But right before opening night, the lead actress tested positive for COVID-19 and two stage managers had to quarantine after their roommate tested positive. — Peter Warren, Star Tribune, "For the show to go on, Minnesota college student theater productions get creative," 8 Feb. 2021 That will likely come right before this year’s coin toss. — Chris Morris, Fortune, "How to watch Super Bowl LV live online for free—without cable," 7 Feb. 2021 The front office picked up Harrison for a fifth-round pick from Jacksonville right before the season. — Terry Pluto, cleveland, "A breakout player for next year? Odell Beckham? I say Peoples-Jones – Terry’s Talkin’ Browns," 7 Feb. 2021 Data so far shows that vaccine efficacy beginning 12 days after the first dose of the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine was about 52%, including the participants who may have been infected right before or just after the vaccine. — Kellie Hwang, San Francisco Chronicle, "You got your first vaccine dose in the Bay Area. What about securing your second?," 5 Feb. 2021 Then step on the brake pedal while adding pressure on the gas pedal to preload the driveline, and right before the maximum amount of boost is available–this metric is displayed in the instrument cluster–release the brakes. — Eric Stafford, Car and Driver, "2020 Ford F-250 Is the Quickest Diesel Pickup We've Ever Tested," 5 Feb. 2021 Recent Examples on the Web: Verb When that backfired, DeVos tried to right the ship by putting forth a contract that would pay $115 million over seven years. — Jeff Pearlman, orlandosentinel.com, "An inside look at Shaq’s jump from Magic to Lakers," 21 Dec. 2020 Gary Mayor Jerome Prince said his administration has taken steps to right the city’s financial ship and put it on sound financial footing heading into 2021. — Carrie Napoleon, chicagotribune.com, "Mayor offers idea to build new Gary public safety, municipal complex; search on for funding sources," 18 Dec. 2020 Newsom, however, made a smart move last week in an attempt to right his foundering governorship. — George Skelton, Los Angeles Times, "Legislators return with new bills to help Californians hurt by the COVID-19 pandemic," 14 Dec. 2020 The Rams apparently used their bye to right the ship, defeating the Seattle Seahawks this past Sunday while forcing three Russell Wilson turnovers. — Jeremy Cluff, The Arizona Republic, "Los Angeles Rams vs. Tampa Bay Buccaneers picks, predictions: Who wins Week 11 NFL game?," 17 Nov. 2020 The Utah State football team has an opportunity to right the ship Saturday against the Fresno State Bulldogs. — Alex Vejar, The Salt Lake Tribune, "Utah State football ready to move on from coaching change against Fresno State," 13 Nov. 2020 Biden promised to focus on the urgent need to right this country’s course. — Robin Givhan, Washington Post, "Biden picked up the weight of the presidency and much of the nation set down its burdens," 8 Nov. 2020 Just another encouraging lesson in how tampered-with nature, when eventually ignored by humans, will right itself. — Robert Abele, Los Angeles Times, "Review: ‘Acasa, My Home’ movingly explores the tug of war between nature and civilization," 14 Jan. 2021 And some on the call expressed anger and frustration that Vilsack, in his first stint as agriculture secretary, during the Obama administration, did not fulfill his promise to right those historical wrongs. — Washington Post, "Tom Vilsack’s nomination as agriculture secretary reopens old wounds for Black farmers," 14 Jan. 2021

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.

First Known Use of right

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

History and Etymology for right

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

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Dictionary Entries near right

Statistics for right

Last Updated

22 Feb 2021

Cite this Entry

“Right.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/right. Accessed 25 Feb. 2021.

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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

noun

English 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

: the legal authority to reproduce, publish, broadcast, or sell something

right

adverb

English 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

verb

English 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

\ ˈrīt

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.

2 : accurate, correct That's the right answer.

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

noun

Kids 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

adverb

Kids 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.

right away

: without delay : immediately The movie started playing right away.— R.J. Palacio, Wonder

right

verb

righted; righting

Kids 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

\ ˈrīt

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

noun

\ ˈrīt \

Legal 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

of right

1 : as an absolute right

2 : demandable or enforceable under the law an appeal of right

Other Words from right

rightful \ -fəl

\ adjective

rightfully \ -fə-lē

\ adverb

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