Synonyms of lawful

lawful

adjective

ˈlȯ-fəl 

as in legitimate

permitted by law

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

Synonyms & Similar Words

• legitimate
• legal
• justifiable
• authorized
• licit
• regulation
• legit
• permissible
• allowable
• constitutional
• good
• proper
• statutory
• noncriminal
• warrantable
• right
• innocent
• just
• de jure

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• unlawful
• illegal
• wrongful
• illicit
• illegitimate
• wrong
• evil
• criminal
• bad
• immoral
• wicked
• corrupt
• prohibited
• sinful
• unauthorized
• guilty
• unjust
• forbidden
• lawless
• impermissible
• iniquitous
• unconstitutional
• reprobate
• outlawed
• banned
• under-the-table
• under-the-counter
• nonconstitutional

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

Recent Examples of lawful

Gerger quoted from a transcript of Mirhashemi’s interviews with the feds, including Mirhashemi suggesting that Legends and OVG had unsuspicious—and lawful—reasons to join forces. —Michael McCann, Sportico.com, 16 Oct. 2025

The court noted that about half of states have laws shielding a person exercising lawful self-defense from criminal liability for the death of an innocent bystander. —Rick Sobey, Boston Herald, 14 Oct. 2025

And while the typical taking involves the government condemning property through eminent domain, the Supreme Court has long understood that some restrictions on the lawful use of property can be so severe as to become a taking. —Chris Kieser, Oc Register, 14 Oct. 2025

Washington law requires all peace officers in the state have their immigration status verified and must be American citizens, lawful permanent residents or beneficiaries of the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program, known as DACA. —Michael Ruiz, FOXNews.com, 12 Oct. 2025