rightful

1 of 2

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

rightfulness

2 of 2

noun

right·​ful·​ness

-fəlnə̇s

plural -es

: the quality or state of being right : the justness or equity of something : accordance with right and justice

feeling the rightfulness of the world

—Willard Luce

Synonyms of rightful

Adjective

• deserved
• justified

Examples of rightful in a Sentence

Adjective

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

Adjective

Photos of wallets, textiles, sports equipment, photos, jewelry, signs, flags, quilts, stuffies, toys and camp trunks filled the page as strangers banded together in the comments sections, tagging potential rightful owners or friends with any leads. — Alisha Ebrahimji, CNN Money, 6 July 2026

Rummel argues that the rightful owners are the descendants of the 1891 trustees’ purchase. — Kamal Morgan. Produced With Ai Assistance, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 29 June 2026

Now, Gracie should be back to her rightful home soon. — Mirna Alsharif, NBC news, 26 June 2026

Ahead of the premiere of season 3, star Emma D'Arcy, who plays Rhaenyra Targaryen and is mom to Jace, tells PEOPLE how the death of Rhaenyra's second son (Luke died in the season 1 finale) will affect the rightful heir to the Iron Throne. — Julia Moore, PEOPLE, 22 June 2026

Word History

Etymology

Noun

Middle English rihtfulnes, rightfulnes, from rihtful, rightful + -nes -ness

First Known Use

Adjective

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