rightful

adjective

right·​ful ˈrīt-fəl 

1

: just, equitable

2

a

: having a just or legally established claim : legitimate

the rightful owner

b

: held by right or just claim : legal

rightful authority

3

: proper, fitting

assured of his rightful place in history

—Brian Duff

rightfully

ˈrīt-fə-lē 

adverb

rightfulness noun

Synonyms

• competent
• condign
• deserved
• due
• fair
• just
• justified
• merited
• right
• warranted

Examples of rightful in a Sentence

The property should be returned to its rightful owner.

He will be given his rightful place in the history books.

Recent Examples on the Web

Their new leader, Nanette Cole (Cristin Milioti), then assumed her rightful place in the captain's chair and the ship sped off into hyperwarp. —Megan McCluskey, Time, 11 Apr. 2025

He must be seen standing up to foreign oppressors who seek to humiliate China and thwart its rightful rise. —Michael Schuman, The Atlantic, 11 Apr. 2025

And now, come August 2, 2025, Sterling Sharpe will finally take his rightful place in the Pro Football Hall of Fame! —Noel Burgess, Forbes.com, 7 Apr. 2025

Shiites, however, believed that leadership should stay within the prophet’s family, favoring Ali — the prophet’s cousin and son-in-law — as his rightful successor. —Ismaeel Naar, New York Times, 28 Mar. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for rightful

• frightful
• spiteful
• delightful
• insightful

Kids Definition

rightful

adjective

right·​ful ˈrīt-fəl 

1

: just entry 1 sense 2a

2

: having a just or legal claim : legitimate

the rightful owner

rightfully

-fə-lē 

adverb

rightfulness noun