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 of rightful

• deserved
• justified

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

Evotrex has built battery-boosting power generation into the core of its platform, giving it a rightful claim on the PG5 being a first of its kind. —New Atlas, 13 Jan. 2026

Moreover, either formal international recognition of Edmundo González Urrutia as Venezuela's rightful president-elect—the winer of the 2024 election that Maduro stole—or a clear timetable for free and fair presidential elections is essential. —Boris Muñoz, Time, 12 Jan. 2026

Candiace is thrilled to take her rightful place as a main character. —Tom Smyth, Vulture, 9 Jan. 2026

Now, dealing with the same agent, there is rightful questioning about if the Pickens negotiation could follow the same trajectory. —Nick Harris, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 8 Jan. 2026

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