Definition of legallynext
as in ethically
according to the rules or the law that's not a move that can be made legally in chess

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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 Yet the agreement is still signed off on by a judge and is just as legally binding as if a judge had presided over it. Jane Harper, Dallas Morning News, 15 Jan. 2026 Calling the last-minute submission legally dubious, half the city council objected, noting there was nothing printed before them or available online for public review. Frederick Melo, Twin Cities, 15 Jan. 2026 Analyst Barry Jonas wrote this week that 18- to 20-year-olds, who are too young to gamble legally in most states, could be contributing significantly to the growth of prediction markets. Contessa Brewer, CNBC, 15 Jan. 2026 Thousands arrived legally on temporary permits Trump has now revoked. Sun Sentinel Editorial Board, Sun Sentinel, 14 Jan. 2026 See All Example Sentences for legally
Recent Examples of Synonyms for legally
Adverb
  • These ethically complex practices around the beginning and end of life have always stirred controversy, but the conversation is heating up — just as some American political leaders are espousing eugenic ideas.
    O. Rose Broderick, STAT, 2 Jan. 2026
  • Which meant that, from the outset, Heated Rivalry had to get its intimacy right — not just visually, but emotionally and ethically.
    Nicole Fell, HollywoodReporter, 23 Dec. 2025
Adverb
  • The 40% The 2026 outlook is fairly compelling for bonds.
    Sarah Min, CNBC, 11 Jan. 2026
  • Typically local zoning commissions have fairly wide latitude in deciding whether large residential projects go forward.
    Don Stacom, Hartford Courant, 11 Jan. 2026
Adverb
  • Yet even when the objective appears morally compelling, the means by which it is pursued still matter.
    Richard Kiy, San Diego Union-Tribune, 12 Jan. 2026
  • Principles like the moral equality of persons, the principle that everyone deserves dignity and respect, and that people should not be judged on the basis of morally irrelevant features beyond their control.
    Rafael Perez, Oc Register, 9 Jan. 2026
Adverb
  • Buzzell served eight months in Iraq and Kuwait before being honorably discharged from the Marine Corps in 2009.
    Vanessa Etienne, PEOPLE, 20 Jan. 2026
  • House Bill 1037 would waive the fee for a fishing license for active-duty military members and for military veterans who were honorably discharged.
    Bart Pfankuch, South Dakota News Watch, 12 Jan. 2026
Adverb
  • Mike, played by a rangy, companionable Hugh Jackman, is a striving singer in Milwaukee who has battled the bottle, cannot consistently pay his mortgage, and keeps himself going by appearing at the state fair dressed up to look (and sound) like Don Ho.
    Peter Tonguette, The Washington Examiner, 9 Jan. 2026
  • At Bharat Tex, India’s largest sourcing fair held in February, the Indian government reaffirmed its intention to make textile recycling a focus area and to help turn plans into reality.
    Mayu Saini, Sourcing Journal, 15 Dec. 2025
Adverb
  • Stroud did not catch the snap cleanly, and Keeanu Benton knocked the ball out of his hand.
    January 12, CBS News, 12 Jan. 2026
  • The two machines met cleanly underground (a procedure called a mid-tunnel docking), which is one of the hardest operations in underground civil engineering.
    Christopher McFadden, Interesting Engineering, 11 Jan. 2026
Adverb
  • Original price: $13.99 These Neutrogena pre-moistened facial cleansing towelettes gently remove makeup and dissolve dirt for fresh, clean-looking skin.
    Nora Colomer, FOXNews.com, 28 Mar. 2025
  • 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

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Cite this Entry

“Legally.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/legally. Accessed 23 Jan. 2026.

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