LEGALLY Synonyms: 16 Similar and Opposite Words

legally

adverb

ˈlē-gə-lē

Definition of legally

as in ethically

according to the rules or the law that's not a move that can be made legally in chess

Synonyms & Similar Words

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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 legally Officials said the gun, described as small and compact, was legally registered to the boy's grandfather. — CBS News, 8 Aug. 2026 Despite the reforms, the NYPD’s federal monitor has repeatedly said that even when officers conduct a legally justified stop, the subsequent frisk or more invasive search is too often not justified. — Colin Mixson, New York Daily News, 7 Aug. 2026 Depending on the amount of money won, you may be legally obligated to reveal your identity in some states, like Georgia, Illinois and Texas, according to USA TODAY's previous reporting. — Julia Gomez, USA Today, 7 Aug. 2026 Measures that would affect Meta’s algorithm would probably violate the 1st Amendment and Section 230, which protects platforms for being legally liable for content posted by its users. — Queenie Wong, Los Angeles Times, 7 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for legally

Recent Examples of Synonyms for legally

Adverb

Other films do that work but don’t get picked up by the media in the same way, or function as successfully as ethically charged soundbites around the right to die.

— Vanessa Rampton, STAT, 5 Aug. 2026
Prediction markets Kalshi and Polymarket have long garnered a reputation for allowing users to make all kinds of ethically dubious bets, from the outcomes of deadly conflicts to raging wildfires.

— Victor Tangermann, Futurism, 5 Aug. 2026

Definition of ethically

Adverb

The country has one of the highest rates of gun ownership in Asia despite its fairly restrictive gun laws.

— ABC News, ABC News, 12 Aug. 2026
This is fairly confusing, since Izzy and Zach tie with four points apiece and Oscar gets two points – which doesn’t reflect either the imposter voting that round or the voting throughout the game.

— Tasha Robinson, Vulture, 11 Aug. 2026

Definition of fairly

Adverb

Nonetheless, memes like those received serious reactions from social commentators and political pundits who interpreted them as evidence that America’s young adults are nihilistic and morally indifferent.

— Evan Clarkson, The Conversation, 6 Aug. 2026
Unlike shoplifting, which is clearly transactional and morally coded, hotel theft exists in a fuzzier psychological space.

— Scott Campbell, Condé Nast Traveler, 3 Aug. 2026

Definition of morally

Adverb

However, it was reduced to disorderly conduct and he was discharged honorably.

— Meredith Colias-Pete, Chicago Tribune, 25 June 2026
To be absolutely clear, nobody, except maybe Melanie, is behaving honorably here, but a good Love Island story line isn’t measured in admirable behavior; it is measured in juice — and Melanie, Corbin, Kenzie, and Caleb have it.

— Kathleen Walsh, Vulture, 16 June 2026

Definition of honorably

Adverb

Hallegua is a Paradesi Jew, the once-dominant group whose fair-skinned, Sephardic ancestors from Spain and Portugal fled the Spanish Inquisition in the 16th century.

— ABC News, ABC News, 7 Aug. 2026
Special events Each year, the state fair organizes a slate of special events, and this year is no exception.

— Sacbee.com, Sacbee.com, 16 July 2026

Definition of fair

Adverb

Before things kicked off, a chant devoted to keeping the earth clean echoed at the beach.

— Shardaa Gray, CBS News, 22 Apr. 2026
That's especially proven in season 2, when — after coming clean to her team about holding Sir captive — Gabi's closest allies turn their backs on her.

— Dave Quinn, People.com, 10 Oct. 2024