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 Only Kordia — mischaracterized by the government, largely overlooked by the public and caught in a legal maze — languishes in detention. Dave Smith, Fortune, 3 Oct. 2025 Many legal experts felt Trump’s case was weak on its merits. Brian Steinberg, Variety, 3 Oct. 2025 The letter was submitted by Combs legal team along with several others. Kara Scannell, CNN Money, 3 Oct. 2025 Ahead of court Friday, Diddy's legal team released a video that was played in court after his children spoke. Lauryn Overhultz , Tracy Wright , Maria Paronich , Kirill Clark, FOXNews.com, 3 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for legal
Recent Examples of Synonyms for legal
Adjective
  • Scammers will call or text consumers claiming to be a legitimate institution, such as a bank or a government institution.
    Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 4 Oct. 2025
  • The anxiety and fear that people bring to my office and to the delivery room about the many uncertainties associated with pregnancy and childbirth is palpable and legitimate.
    Tami S. Rowen, The Conversation, 3 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • There is no military strength without moral strength, no good outcome when summoning tempers alongside uncertainty and rifles, and no margin for error in what may come next.
    Keith Wilson, Time, 2 Oct. 2025
  • Right now, people want moral courage and clear calls to action.
    Sarah Stankorb, MSNBC Newsweek, 1 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • Since you’re still considered a federal employee on furlough, any job must fall within the federal government’s standards of ethical conduct and rules.
    Medora Lee, USA Today, 3 Oct. 2025
  • In fact, Veja’s cost of goods is three times higher than that of comparable products due to this ethical sourcing.
    Alexandra Harrell, Sourcing Journal, 30 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • That's right—a clean, nonpartisan funding bill.
    Shane Croucher, MSNBC Newsweek, 1 Oct. 2025
  • This change limited the state's ability to secure federal funds for energy efficiency projects, address emissions of climate-warming air pollutants at a statewide level, or promote cleaner technologies that don't rely on fossil fuels.
    Joan Meiners, AZCentral.com, 1 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • For example, the Securities and Exchange Commission, which is designed to protect investors and keep financial markets fair, is one of more than two doen agencies that are legally similar to the FCC.
    Erin Mansfield, USA Today, 3 Oct. 2025
  • While the bubble feature wasn’t the biggest hit, families loved the fair value, sturdy design, and beloved characters that extended play well beyond the first adventure.
    Emily Glover, Parents, 2 Oct. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Legal.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/legal. Accessed 9 Oct. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on legal

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