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 Trump administration has repeatedly warned green card holders, who are lawful permanent residents, that their stay in the country is not guaranteed and could be revoked if they are deemed a threat to national interests. Mandy Taheri, MSNBC Newsweek, 25 June 2025 Conquest was lawful, but imposing economic sanctions against belligerents was not. Oona A. Hathaway, Foreign Affairs, 24 June 2025 Campos-Hurtado, who prosecutors say lacks legal status in the U.S., was charged with using or possessing fraudulent immigration documents and possessing an identification document or authentication feature which was stolen or produced without lawful authority. Olivia Lloyd, Charlotte Observer, 18 June 2025 Now, Ukrainians are asking America to keep that promise—not with weapons, but with compassion and lawful protection. Andy J. Semotiuk, Forbes.com, 15 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for lawful
Recent Examples of Synonyms for lawful
Adjective
  • Attackers also uploaded counterfeit Python packages mimicking legitimate ChatGPT tools to deceive developers and exploit the popularity of AI development.
    Bojan Šimić, Forbes.com, 1 July 2025
  • Mike Brown has become a legitimate candidate for the job and has had a second interview with the team, but there are still a lot of questions left to be answered.
    Evan Massey, MSNBC Newsweek, 1 July 2025
Adjective
  • While the legal battle is ongoing, the judge's ruling is an early win for the states and a setback for the Trump administration.
    Camila Domonoske, NPR, 25 June 2025
  • Assembling Your Governance Committee A cross-functional steering committee is vital, including legal, compliance, data, cybersecurity and business stakeholders.
    Blake Gibson, Forbes.com, 25 June 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Lawful.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/lawful. Accessed 7 Jul. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on lawful

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