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 Power plants and bridges could either be lawful military targets or civilian objects under the law of war, depending on the facts on the ground, said Brian Finucane, a former legal adviser for the State Department. —

Compiled Bydemocrat-Gazette Stafffrom Wire Reports, Arkansas Online, 6 Apr. 2026 But Congress narrowed Medicare eligibility to citizens, lawful permanent residents, Cuban and Haitian nationals, and people covered under the Compacts of Free Association, agreements between the United States and Pacific island nations. —

Vanessa G. Sánchez, NPR, 6 Apr. 2026 The 82-time PGA Tour winner is charged with driving under the influence with property damage and refusal to submit to a lawful test — both misdemeanors. —

Alaa Elassar, CNN Money, 3 Apr. 2026 Those who are verified through the program and have proof of temporary lawful status will receive a Restriction 9 on their credentials and driver records, which indicates a temporary lawful status. —

Maya Wilkins, Chicago Tribune, 2 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for lawful

Recent Examples of Synonyms for lawful

Adjective

The purchases totaled more than $14,000, and none of it was tied to legitimate business use.

— Shelley Bortz, CBS News, 8 Apr. 2026
Eastern New Mexico residents harbor legitimate grievances about feeling estranged from their state government and the Democratic leadership in Santa Fe, suggesting the underlying regional sentiment reflects authentic frustration with political representation rather than mere partisan gamesmanship.

— Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 8 Apr. 2026