rightful

adjective

right·​ful ˈrīt-fəl How to pronounce rightful (audio)
1
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 historyBrian Duff
rightfully adverb
rightfulness noun

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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
The goal is to return the funds to the rightful owners; the list includes at least 430 victims, according to the Justice Department’s complaint. Michael Kan, PC Magazine, 19 June 2025 Haidar is a title commonly associated with Ali, whom Shia Muslims regard as the first Imam and the rightful successor to the Prophet Mohammed. Gabe Whisnant, MSNBC Newsweek, 18 June 2025 There is nothing funny about Sophie’s assault and subsequent, rightful legal action against Lucy’s matchmaking company. Samantha Bergeson, IndieWire, 16 June 2025 California’s unclaimed property law already requires the controller’s office to safeguard and return inactive financial assets — dormant bank accounts, insurance proceeds and uncashed checks, for example — to their rightful owners. Kaitlyn Schallhorn, Oc Register, 16 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for rightful

Word History

First Known Use

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

Time Traveler
The first known use of rightful was before the 12th century

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Rightful.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/rightful. Accessed 1 Jul. 2025.

Kids Definition

rightful

adjective
right·​ful ˈrīt-fəl How to pronounce rightful (audio)
1
2
: having a just or legal claim : legitimate
the rightful owner
rightfully adverb
rightfulness noun

More from Merriam-Webster on rightful

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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