Synonyms of lawful

lawful

adjective

ˈlȯ-fəl 

as in legitimate

permitted by law

hunting is a lawful activity only if you have the proper license

Synonyms & Similar Words

• legitimate
• legal
• justifiable
• authorized
• licit
• regulation
• legit
• permissible
• allowable
• constitutional
• good
• proper
• statutory
• noncriminal
• warrantable
• right
• innocent
• just
• de jure

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• unlawful
• illegal
• wrongful
• illicit
• illegitimate
• wrong
• evil
• criminal
• bad
• immoral
• wicked
• corrupt
• prohibited
• sinful
• unauthorized
• guilty
• unjust
• forbidden
• lawless
• impermissible
• iniquitous
• unconstitutional
• reprobate
• outlawed
• banned
• under-the-table
• under-the-counter
• nonconstitutional

Synonym Chooser

How is the word lawful different from other adjectives like it?

Some common synonyms of lawful are legal, legitimate, and licit. While all these words mean "being in accordance with law," lawful may apply to conformity with law of any sort (such as natural, divine, common, or canon).

the lawful sovereign

When would legal be a good substitute for lawful?

The meanings of legal and lawful largely overlap; however, legal applies to what is sanctioned by law or in conformity with the law, especially as it is written or administered by the courts.

legal residents of the state

In what contexts can legitimate take the place of lawful?

The words legitimate and lawful can be used in similar contexts, but legitimate may apply to a legal right or status but also, in extended use, to a right or status supported by tradition, custom, or accepted standards.

a perfectly legitimate question about taxes

Where would licit be a reasonable alternative to lawful?

While in some cases nearly identical to lawful, licit applies to a strict conformity to the provisions of the law and applies especially to what is regulated by law.

the licit use of drugs by doctors

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of lawful

Critics, including these plaintiffs, say registration is intrusive and allows the government to collect sensitive personal information from lawful gun owners. —Kaelan Deese, The Washington Examiner, 12 Aug. 2025

Leaving aside the question of whether any such action would be lawful, Carter said in a phone interview that Detroiters have reason to be concerned about Trump targeting their city in the future, saying the president could use the immigration issue as a pretext to expand federal powers in the city. —Paul Egan, Freep.com, 11 Aug. 2025

Refugees and people granted asylum may seek lawful permanent resident status and eventually apply for U.S. citizenship. —Mark Schlakman, The Conversation, 7 Aug. 2025

However, the lawful efforts to fight against the dilution of Black voters' collective power at the ballot box may be ending soon, as a new legal argument progresses toward the U.S. Supreme Court. —Brittney Melton, NPR, 6 Aug. 2025