Synonyms of legal

legal

adjective

ˈlē-gəl 

1

as in legitimate

permitted by law

the congressman's fund-raising efforts, though arguably unethical, were determined to be legal

Synonyms & Similar Words

• legitimate
• lawful
• justifiable
• regulation
• authorized
• constitutional
• legit
• licit
• allowable
• good
• permissible
• proper
• statutory
• noncriminal
• right
• warrantable
• innocent
• just
• de jure

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• illegal
• unlawful
• wrongful
• illicit
• criminal
• illegitimate
• wrong
• evil
• bad
• immoral
• corrupt
• wicked
• prohibited
• sinful
• guilty
• unauthorized
• forbidden
• unjust
• lawless
• impermissible
• iniquitous
• unconstitutional
• reprobate
• outlawed
• banned
• under-the-table
• under-the-counter
• nonconstitutional

2

as in moral

following or according to the rules

the referee declared it a legal play

Synonyms & Similar Words

• moral
• ethical
• clean
• fair
• honorable
• sportsmanly
• sportsmanlike
• scrupulous
• principled
• law-abiding
• just
• unimpeachable
• irreproachable

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• unfair
• dirty
• foul
• nasty
• wrong
• immoral
• unethical
• unscrupulous
• vicious
• unsportsmanlike
• unprincipled
• unrighteous

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

Recent Examples of legal

Young people who want access to algorithmic feeds or nighttime notifications have to consent to their parent or legal guardian being notified. — Cayla Bamberger, New York Daily News, 1 Aug. 2026

After going more than eight months without pay from ORR, some legal service providers have had to reduce their staff. — Chiara Eisner, NPR, 1 Aug. 2026

Pre-emption rights are legal or contractual provisions that allow existing shareholders to purchase shares before they are offered to external parties. — Leon Imber, New York Times, 1 Aug. 2026

No Way Home wasn’t cleared to play, hence there wasn’t a legal way to watch the movie. — Anthony D'alessandro, Deadline, 1 Aug. 2026

Phrases Containing legal

• legal eagle
• legal tender