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

Marijuana is legal and regulated in California, but the state has been on an aggressive push to stamp out unauthorized grow operations and sales that officials say can fuel gangs and other international criminal organizations, while undermining the lawful industry. —Elizabeth Crisp, The Hill, 20 May 2025

The upgrade is a part of a larger effort to improve the state’s firearms safety systems and efficiencies for lawful firearms owners. —Addison Wright, Chicago Tribune, 20 May 2025

According to Reuters, the administration contends that the 14th Amendment does not extend to immigrants who are in the country illegally or even to immigrants whose presence is lawful but temporary, such as university students or those on work visas. —Kathryn Palmer, USA Today, 16 May 2025

Mahmoud Khalil, the Columbia University graduate student and lawful permanent resident who has been detained by immigration authorities since March, is scheduled to appear at a pivotal immigration hearing Thursday that could determine his future in the United States. —Gloria Pazmino, CNN Money, 22 May 2025