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

• 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

Goudstikker’s daughter-in-law claims to be heir to painting Weitz, the attorney for the family who lost the work, told USA TODAY that her client, von Saher, 81, is the rightful heir to the painting. —Michelle Del Rey, USA Today, 4 Sep. 2025

So, when did Sebastian take his rightful place as the U’s biggest fan? —Miami Herald, 29 Aug. 2025

The man in the arena may not have been the tallest, but at AfroBasket 2025, Childe Dundão stood tallest of all, leading Angola to end a 12-year wait and return to its rightful throne as champions of Africa. —Sindiswa Mabunda, Forbes.com, 26 Aug. 2025

This book’s rightful home is in the waiting room of a child psychologist’s office, where it should be presented in the same spirit with which Dum-Dums are left in a dentist’s reception area. —Sloane Crosley, New Yorker, 25 Aug. 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