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

After Alicent’s misunderstanding — which leads to Aegon II claiming the throne — Rhaenyra prepares for war and gathers allies to fight for her rightful claim to the throne. —Skyler Trepel, PEOPLE, 19 Jan. 2026

So former players would likely emerge to sue the lawsuit-weary governing body seeking their rightful fifth year as well. —Payton Titus, Louisville Courier Journal, 15 Jan. 2026

Roslovic’s value was always going to tank when Zach Hyman returned to the lineup and took his rightful place back on PP1. —Shayna Goldman, New York Times, 14 Jan. 2026

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

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