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

It may also be remembered as the moment volleyball secured its rightful place among America's premier spectator sports. — Tim Genske, Forbes.com, 8 Aug. 2026

The filing puts his value at some $600 million in assets and business interests at the time of his death, and asserts that Tracey is looking for her rightful share. — Brian Boucher, ARTnews.com, 7 Aug. 2026

The government should not be allowed to decide that an investment is abandoned, sell it and then force its rightful owner to live forever with the state’s market timing. — Mark Lewyn, Baltimore Sun, 5 Aug. 2026

But Crown’s true motives are to return precious stolen or sold artifacts to their rightful creators. — Mya Copeland, Variety, 29 July 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