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 The driver's lawyers have called on the Justice Department to investigate the incident after prosecutors said the officer's actions were lawful. Christopher Cann, USA Today, 10 Sep. 2025 In theory, those who could demonstrate lawful presence were released, while others — more than 2,800 — were detained. Noah Feldman, Mercury News, 10 Sep. 2025 Schrank also told reporters at the site on Friday that some U.S. citizens and lawful permanent residents had been detained in the raid and were later released. Rebecca Schneid, Time, 6 Sep. 2025 The incident raises questions about enforcement practices and the treatment of lawful permanent residents in routine encounters with federal agents. Billal Rahman, MSNBC Newsweek, 5 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for lawful
Recent Examples of Synonyms for lawful
Adjective
  • The band’s attorneys said that consumers could be easily deceived by the products allegedly sold on the marketplace, which could, in turn, cause reputational damage for Twenty One Pilots and its legitimate products.
    Meghan Hall, Sourcing Journal, 12 Sep. 2025
  • The attack was traced to an employee downloading a malicious file that was thought to be legitimate.
    PC Magazine, PC Magazine, 11 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • Paxton’s legal problems include criminal charges related to securities fraud in 2015.
    Kimberly Ross, The Washington Examiner, 12 Sep. 2025
  • As the exclusive bargaining representative of NBA players, the NBPA licenses agents and thereby gives them the legal right to represent players in contract negotiations.
    Michael McCann, Sportico.com, 12 Sep. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Lawful.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/lawful. Accessed 18 Sep. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on lawful

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