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 Trump signed the order on his first day back in office, denying citizenship to children born in the U.S. if neither parent is a citizen or a lawful resident. Amanda Castro, MSNBC Newsweek, 15 May 2025 But legal protections remain necessary so as to avoid deporting citizens and lawful residents, or to break existing judicial orders. Nr Editors, National Review, 15 May 2025 Peterson also said the county still contends the actions of the board were lawful and valid. Nora O’Neill, Charlotte Observer, 14 May 2025 Yamal Said is a Mexican citizen and lawful U.S. permanent resident. Matthew Strauss, Pitchfork, 14 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for lawful
Recent Examples of Synonyms for lawful
Adjective
  • Fraudsters will seek to distribute duty evaded goods as well as counterfeit alcoholic products into legitimate retail supply chains.
    Mark Littler, Forbes.com, 16 May 2025
  • Record bucks get poached and then shared on social media as legitimate trophies.
    Alex Robinson, Outdoor Life, 15 May 2025
Adjective
  • Potential resources include applying for free or discounted hospital services, legal advice and consumer counseling.
    Karen Garcia, Los Angeles Times, 20 May 2025
  • Wendy McMahon, the president and CEO of CBS News, abruptly resigned from her position in the midst of a legal faceoff between parent company Paramount and President Donald Trump.
    Kathryn Palmer, USA Today, 20 May 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Lawful.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/lawful. Accessed 27 May. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on lawful

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