LAWFUL Synonyms: 47 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

lawful

adjective

ˈlȯ-fəl

Definition of lawful next

as in legitimate

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

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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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 Jurors also found true the special circumstance allegations of murder of a peace officer in the performance of his duties and murder to avoid or prevent a lawful arrest. —

City News Service, Daily News, 24 June 2026 Woods was ultimately charged with a DUI, property damage and refusal to submit to a lawful urinalysis test after the incident. —

Gabby Herzig, New York Times, 23 June 2026 Woods was arrested and charged with DUI with property damage and refusal submit a lawful test after his involvement in a two-car rollover crash on March 27 near his home on Jupiter Island, Florida. —

Mark Harris, FOXNews.com, 23 June 2026 The case centers on Muk Choi Lau, who became a lawful permanent resident in 2005 but was eventually charged with trademark counterfeiting in 2012 and briefly left the country. —

Jack Birle, The Washington Examiner, 23 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for lawful

Recent Examples of Synonyms for lawful

Adjective

San Antonio has legitimate shooting at the center position thanks to Victor Wembanyama, which could allow Quaintance could survive as the lone non-shooter on the floor.

— Rohan Nadkarni, NBC news, 24 June 2026
Who benefits and who pays for AI progress is a legitimate debate.

— Reed Albergotti, semafor.com, 24 June 2026

Definition of legitimate

Adjective

Those also include new regulations on mail-in voting that are likewise facing legal challenges.

— Aysha Bagchi, USA Today, 25 June 2026
Nejat received legal support from the Association of Flight Attendants, which has been trying to organize Delta’s 28,000 flight attendants for decades.

— Emma Hurt, AJC.com, 25 June 2026