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

Trump is attempting to deny birthright citizenship, which is guaranteed by the 14th Amendment, to babies born to parents who aren’t citizens or lawful permanent residents. —Gustavo Arellano, Los Angeles Times, 19 Apr. 2025

Seven people affiliated with the University of Maryland, College Park have unexpectedly lost their lawful status in the United States, the university confirmed to The Baltimore Sun on Friday. —Todd Karpovich, Baltimore Sun, 18 Apr. 2025

Two courts in Washington are still weighing in on whether the efforts to shut out the AP are lawful. —Ella Lee, The Hill, 18 Apr. 2025

These refugees, most of whom are women, children, the elderly, and persons with disabilities, fled an active war zone through a lawful program initiated by the U.S. government. —Andy J. Semotiuk, Forbes.com, 14 Apr. 2025