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

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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 Since the prenuptial agreement is a legally binding contract, lawyers generally think Tenisha Warner has a strong case to say she is owed the money promised in the agreement. — Medora Lee, USA Today, 25 July 2026 That group included a little fewer than half of the more than 300 enslaved at Mount Vernon at the time; the rest were owned by the estate of Martha Washington’s first husband, leaving Washington legally unable to free them. — John Garrison Marks, The Atlantic, 25 July 2026 Establishing a National Claims Commission to resolve confiscation claims from the post-1959 nationalizations, compensating former owners through bonds while protecting people who later acquired the same properties legally. — Nora Gámez Torres, Miami Herald, 24 July 2026 While Kalshi isn’t legally considered a gambling platform, as the app is regulated like commodity trading, multiple states have filed lawsuits to enforce gaming laws. — Glenn Garner, Deadline, 24 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for legally

Recent Examples of Synonyms for legally

Adverb

Trump’s selling Wall Street early access to his Truth Social posts is ethically repugnant, but may be legal, columnist Michael Hiltzik writes.

— Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 23 July 2026
Research consistently shows that around three in five UK consumers are prepared to pay more for premium and ethically sourced fashion, placing craftsmanship, authenticity and transparency ahead of fast-fashion volume.

— Kate Hardcastle, Forbes.com, 17 July 2026

Definition of ethically

Adverb

Indeed, the Vienna rode quite well thanks to its larger wheels, fairly wide tires, and neutral geometry.

— William Roberson, Forbes.com, 22 July 2026
This process is intended to give you the opportunity to provide further information so that your circumstances can be reviewed fully and fairly.

— Andy Mitten, New York Times, 22 July 2026

Definition of fairly

Adverb

History is filled with systems that were durable, highly organized, and morally indefensible.

— Gerald J. Leonard, Forbes.com, 22 July 2026
Many leaders in the late 18th century already considered privateering a morally ambiguous practice, according to Michael Crawford, a former senior historian at the Naval History and Heritage Command.

— Stephen Clark, ArsTechnica, 22 July 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

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
Post-Fair, an alternative art fair held in a Santa Monica post office that was launched by gallerist Chris Sharp in 2025, will expand to Paris this October.

— News Desk, Artforum, 9 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
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