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

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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 Rights holders as well as the public would have full access to that parcel, including for recreational activities the rights holders cannot legally engage in on the ranch now, like fishing or hiking. — Elise Schmelzer, Denver Post, 9 Oct. 2026 The study concluded annexation is legally and physically feasible — the area is contiguous, compact and urbanized. — Brian Bell, The Orlando Sentinel, 8 Oct. 2026 The genetic disorder causes degeneration of the light sensing cells in the retina, which can degrade peripheral and night vision so much that patients can become legally blind by young adulthood. — O. Rose Broderick, STAT, 8 Oct. 2026 Ryan Hanafin legally owns several guns and has a license to carry a firearm, which was suspended Thursday morning by Reading police, the DA said. — CBS News, 8 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for legally

Recent Examples of Synonyms for legally

Adverb

The authority entrusted to police officers carries with it an equally significant responsibility to act lawfully, ethically and with integrity.

— Brian Maass, CBS News, 7 Oct. 2026
Awards continue to be given out to those who hold their ground and choose the ethically right decision to make.

— Eric Sondheimer, Los Angeles Times, 5 Oct. 2026

Definition of ethically

Adverb

The current menu is fairly limited and feels a little flat compared to Saffron, but no doubt as business ramps up, the selection will expand accordingly.

— Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 6 Oct. 2026
From Lagos to the Grand Palais, Ojuromi is fairly compelling proof of the concept.

— Anna Cafolla, Vogue, 6 Oct. 2026

Definition of fairly

Adverb

Set in modern-day Buffalo, Don’t Go Gentle follows Tanya Jenkins, a mother and Army medic who was honorably discharged.

— Stewart Clarke, Deadline, 24 Sep. 2026
Nash was honorably discharged from the Air Force in 2016 and worked as a contractor overseas, teaching pilots to fly F-15.

— Melinda Moore, Chicago Tribune, 11 Sep. 2026

Definition of honorably

Adverb

The Giants scored both of their runs with two outs in the fourth on Whitcomb’s pop-fly single that fell just fair near the right-field line.

— ABC News, ABC News, 23 Sep. 2026
Climate was top of the agenda at Première Vision Paris as the global textiles fair took place in the still-sweltering 27-degree Centigrade (about 80 degrees Fahrenheit) heat following a summer marred by record heat across Europe.

— Ellen Groves, Footwear News, 10 Sep. 2026

Definition of fair

Adverb

Precise control over internal cell orientation remains key for powering small electronic devices cleanly and efficiently.

— Mrigakshi Dixit, Interesting Engineering, 8 Oct. 2026
On the awards front, that makes for projects that are too complex to cleanly fit into one genre.

— Marcus Jones, IndieWire, 8 Oct. 2026

Definition of cleanly

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