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 The parole board previously considered Favors for release on a previous rape conviction but never granted it, legally opening the door for the upcoming review. — Leigh Egan, FOXNews.com, 7 Nov. 2026 Spectators can’t legally bet; the gamble belongs to the prisoners who volunteer. — Tessa Solomon, ARTnews.com, 7 Nov. 2026 The order preserves cooperation involving criminal investigations, judicial warrants and circumstances in which cooperation is legally required. — Hollie Silverman, MSNBC Newsweek, 7 Nov. 2026 Some have made it through clinical trials and can be prescribed legally, like Ozempic and Zepbound. — Frank Landymore, Futurism, 7 Nov. 2026 See All Example Sentences for legally

Recent Examples of Synonyms for legally

Adverb

And the coffee was predictably excellent, ethically sourced within a country known for it.

— Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 6 Nov. 2026
It’s never been easier to bring quality, ethically sourced caviar to the party.

— Noah Kaufman, Bon Appetit Magazine, 2 Nov. 2026

Definition of ethically

Adverb

Their efforts cannot substitute for laws that protect women from violence or for a justice system that treats them fairly.

— Tanaz Eshaghian, Time, 10 Nov. 2026
With almost all votes counted, Conley led by about 6%, or a fairly modest swing of about 12% from Lawler’s 2024 reelection win.

— Dave Goldiner, New York Daily News, 10 Nov. 2026

Definition of fairly

Adverb

Employees have become burned out and morally conflicted as their focus has shifted from pursuing drug smugglers and human traffickers to apprehending asylum seekers in courthouses and arresting day laborers at their worksites.

— Francisco Cantú, New Yorker, 2 Nov. 2026
In some versions, she’s described as a morally deplorable witch taking part in the abuse of runaway slaves who was ultimately burned for her misdeeds and buried near the cemetery.

— Joseph States, Chicago Tribune, 29 Oct. 2026

Definition of morally

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 gallery has regularly shown at notable art fairs, including Untitled, Expo Chicago, and Zona Maco, and has even continued doing so as Jupiter has faced lawsuits, most recently appearing in the Independent New York art fair this past May.

— Alex Greenberger, ARTnews.com, 6 Nov. 2026
The closures also disrupted Art Basel Paris, a major international art fair held at the Grand Palais.

— Andrea Margolis, FOXNews.com, 24 Oct. 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