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 Trump has frequently used harsh language to describe immigrants living in the U.S. without legal status. Brian Mann, NPR, 12 Aug. 2025 However, the legal processes to vacate the seats could be lengthy and run into hurdles. Antonio Pequeño Iv, Forbes.com, 12 Aug. 2025 Combs’ legal team filed a motion to have a gag order placed on witnesses in an effort to shield testimony from potential jurors. Demicia Inman, VIBE.com, 12 Aug. 2025 Applying it to the business sector, climate activists will bring new legal challenges against oil companies for human rights violations. Jon McGowan, Forbes.com, 31 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for legal
Recent Examples of Synonyms for legal
Adjective
  • Generational wealth passes through legitimate streams here, too.
    Jesse Hyde, Rolling Stone, 7 Aug. 2025
  • Bednar and Doval, meanwhile, are legitimate closing alternatives.
    Gary Phillips, New York Daily News, 6 Aug. 2025
Adjective
  • Those who violate the law should answer for it, but those who are charged with enforcing the law have the moral responsibility to do so humanely, fairly and justly.
    David Kay, The Orlando Sentinel, 17 Aug. 2025
  • Other professors believe that moral appeals may still have teeth.
    Ian Bogost, The Atlantic, 17 Aug. 2025
Adjective
  • Improving transparency starts with a commitment to open communication, ethical leadership, and meaningful public engagement.
    Charlotte Observer, Charlotte Observer, 14 Aug. 2025
  • One of the employees expressed a desire for an ethical framework much like the one Cakarel laid out on Thursday, as well as the company taking a stand against Maguire’s comments.
    Brian Welk, IndieWire, 14 Aug. 2025
Adjective
  • Instead, use a clean Q-tip to gently wipe away any excess spray.
    Leah Campano, Seventeen, 3 Feb. 2023
  • Under the auspices of the Sustainable Marblehead Beach Cleaning team, led by Pam Roberts, groups of volunteers clean at least one beach in Marblehead each week, year-round.
    Bette Keva, BostonGlobe.com, 3 Feb. 2023
Adjective
  • But with most of the country’s pro-democracy lawmakers in exile or jail, and the military’s widespread repression and attacks on the people, such a vote would never be considered free or fair, observers say.
    Helen Regan, CNN Money, 17 Aug. 2025
  • The first state fair at the Kentucky Fair and Exposition Center in 1956 saw an opening day crowd twice the size of the previous year.
    Leo Bertucci, The Courier-Journal, 16 Aug. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Legal.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/legal. Accessed 22 Aug. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on legal

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