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

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 Surrogates would have to be citizens or lawful permanent residents. —

Miami Herald, 13 May 2026 Woods has pleaded not guilty to driving under the influence with property damage and refusal to submit to a lawful test. —

Emily Shapiro, ABC News, 12 May 2026 According to police, the van was also traveling eastbound and was attempting to make a lawful right turn into a driveway with a turn signal activated when the crash occurred. —

Jeramie Bizzle, CBS News, 12 May 2026 Federal officials claim Good used her vehicle to interfere with a lawful operation, while local activists dispute that account. —

Alejandro Avila Outkick, FOXNews.com, 11 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for lawful

Recent Examples of Synonyms for lawful

Adjective

Taiwan is its integral part, and the government of the People's Republic of China is the only legitimate government representing all of China.

— David Brennan, ABC News, 20 May 2026
Yet many of the investment deals on offer are sketchy and tenuously legitimate—the digital equivalent of a man in a trenchcoat offering his wares on the sidewalk.

— Kyle Chayka, New Yorker, 20 May 2026