Definition of legalnext

Synonym Chooser

How is the word legal different from other adjectives like it?

Some common synonyms of legal are lawful, legitimate, and licit. While all these words mean "being in accordance with law," 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

When can lawful be used instead of legal?

The meanings of lawful and legal largely overlap; however, lawful may apply to conformity with law of any sort (such as natural, divine, common, or canon).

the lawful sovereign

Where would legitimate be a reasonable alternative to legal?

In some situations, the words legitimate and legal are roughly equivalent. However, 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

When would licit be a good substitute for legal?

The words licit and legal can be used in similar contexts, but 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 legal Months of legal jostling leading up to the hearing centered largely on media access. ABC News, 5 July 2026 Lawyers remained advocates for private clients, but Wilson increasingly described them as participants in preserving the legal order upon which republican government depended. Joseph Andrew, Forbes.com, 4 July 2026 If the child is not eligible for the $1,000 federal pilot contribution, then that individual may be a parent, legal guardian, adult sibling or grandparent. Jeanne Sahadi, CNN Money, 4 July 2026 This 3-0 victory over Canada was good but also comes after a successful (depending on legal rulings) AFCON campaign and further development of Morocco’s youth teams. Carl Anka, New York Times, 4 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for legal
Recent Examples of Synonyms for legal
Adjective
  • Both men argue Los Angeles should consider creating a dedicated anti-squatter task force to help law enforcement distinguish legitimate tenant disputes from cases involving criminal conduct.
    Stepheny Price, FOXNews.com, 5 July 2026
  • Schlittler, meanwhile, has a legitimate case to start for the American League, which will be managed by rival Blue Jays skipper John Schneider.
    Gary Phillips, New York Daily News, 5 July 2026
Adjective
  • The Vatican prioritizes human dignity and moral considerations over profit and efficiency.
    Paulo Carvão, Forbes.com, 1 July 2026
  • The text is a philosophical treatise on ethics and human moral progress, and the final column revealed the name Aristocreon, a nephew and disciple of the Stoic philosopher Chrysippus.
    ArsTechnica, ArsTechnica, 30 June 2026
Adjective
  • Thrive Market is an online, members-only marketplace that allows members to choose their favorite items from more than 5,000 products sourced from organic, sustainable and ethical brands.
    Rachel Cortez, USA Today, 4 July 2026
  • The nation's economy depends heavily on ethical diamond exports.
    Kate Matthams, Forbes.com, 2 July 2026
Adjective
  • The design is open and clean, with a deliberate choice to draw the surrounding scenery deep into the interior of the home.
    Bridget Borgobello July 03, New Atlas, 4 July 2026
  • Plus, minimal prep means less clean-up and more time to relax and actually enjoy your food.
    Rachel Cortez, USA Today, 4 July 2026
Adjective
  • Few crowds, lines at the fair Small groups gathered for events Monday afternoon, including a wood-sawing contest near the rodeo and an acrobat performance, but crowd sizes remained modest.
    Michelle Del Rey, USA Today, 29 June 2026
  • Asking it to produce a fairer result than the historical data it was fed, is akin to asking a copy machine for an original and being surprised by, well, the copy.
    Aparna Rae, Forbes.com, 29 June 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Legal.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/legal. Accessed 6 Jul. 2026.

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