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

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.
Recent Examples of lawful Previously, the standard legal presumption in the state and others was that lawful weapons could be brought onto private property unless the armed person was expressly told not to have them. Maureen Groppe, USA Today, 3 Oct. 2025 Risley is a lawful permanent resident, Baum is a conditional permanent resident, and Castellanos has had a pending order of removal from an immigration judge since 1999, the release states. Arkansas Online, 2 Oct. 2025 Roberts has not had lawful employment authorization since December 2020, according to the complaint. Alexander Mallin, ABC News, 2 Oct. 2025 According to the complaint, both Collins and Robledo carried 9-millimeter semiautomatic pistols to the protests and have lawful permits for the weapons. Bill Kirkos, CNN Money, 29 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for lawful
Recent Examples of Synonyms for lawful
Adjective
  • Scammers will call or text consumers claiming to be a legitimate institution, such as a bank or a government institution.
    Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 4 Oct. 2025
  • The anxiety and fear that people bring to my office and to the delivery room about the many uncertainties associated with pregnancy and childbirth is palpable and legitimate.
    Tami S. Rowen, The Conversation, 3 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • VPNs are legal to use across the United States but there are bans in place in some parts of the world.
    Arpan Lobo, Freep.com, 4 Oct. 2025
  • The investigation began after revelations, first reported by the Herald/Times, that the DeSantis administration directed $10 million from a legal settlement with the Medicaid contractor Centene through the foundation for political purposes.
    Lawrence Mower, Miami Herald, 3 Oct. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Lawful.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/lawful. Accessed 9 Oct. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on lawful

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