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 In addition to driving under the influence with property damage, Woods was charged with refusal to submit to a lawful test. —

Emily Shapiro, ABC News, 27 Mar. 2026 Woods had rolled his vehicle after clipping the backend of the trailer, said the official, and was arrested for DUI with property damage and refusal to submit to a lawful test — Woods refused a urinalysis, according to police. —

Charisma Madarang, Rolling Stone, 27 Mar. 2026 Woods will be facing a DUI charge, as well as additional charges for property damage and refusal to submit to a lawful test, Sheriff Villanueva said. —

Kevin Dolak, HollywoodReporter, 27 Mar. 2026 Martin County Sheriff John Budensiek says he is charged with two misdemeanors, driving under the influence with property damage, and refusal to submit to a lawful test. —

Bethy Squires, Vulture, 27 Mar. 2026 See All Example Sentences for lawful

Recent Examples of Synonyms for lawful

Adjective

Voting-rights advocates warned those two provisions — among a long list of changes in state election law — could prevent thousands of citizens who are legitimate Florida voters from casting ballots.

— Anthony Man, Sun Sentinel, 1 Apr. 2026
If the debt is legitimate and the amount is correct, responding to the lawsuit also opens the door for settlement negotiations.

— Angelica Leicht, CBS News, 1 Apr. 2026