Synonyms of legally

legally

adverb

ˈlē-gə-lē 

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

• ethically
• fairly
• morally
• honorably
• fair
• cleanly
• clean
• nobly
• high-mindedly

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• illegally
• dirty
• unethically
• immorally
• ignobly
• dishonorably
• underhandedly

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of legally

After its 4 1/2-year war in Ukraine, Russia appears to fit that description, adding one more justification for the 1949 Geneva Conventions – to which Moscow is legally bound. — The Monitor's Editorial Board, Christian Science Monitor, 2 Oct. 2026

The change meant that most college students could no longer legally purchase alcohol, leading some of them to drink in more private settings, like fraternity houses. — Pietro A. Sasso, The Conversation, 2 Oct. 2026

Even such a ruling, though, likely would not establish that other similar suits are legally sound. — Callie Patteson, The Washington Examiner, 1 Oct. 2026

According to Blankenship, bobcats cannot be legally hunted or trapped in Will County as harvesting is restricted to the southern and western halves of Illinois. — Elena Tittel, Chicago Tribune, 1 Oct. 2026