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 For immigrants, even those here legally, who fear leaving the house for church and school. Abby McCloskey, Twin Cities, 5 Feb. 2026 Those 16 and older who are not legally disabled must have an Illinois fishing license, a district news release said. Michelle Mullins, Chicago Tribune, 5 Feb. 2026 The bill would require DHS to review lawful immigration status and report any SNAP or TANF applicants who are not in the country legally to the Oklahoma Attorney General’s Office and Immigration and Customs Enforcement. Emma Murphy, Oklahoma Voice, 5 Feb. 2026 After Wednesday’s walkout at Haltom High, school leadership released a statement saying the district is not legally allowed to take actions that could be perceived to support or deny students from any peaceful response to a cause. Samuel O’Neal 4, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 4 Feb. 2026 See All Example Sentences for legally
Recent Examples of Synonyms for legally
Adverb
  • The rise of ethically minded, positive-impact tourism is also another driving force.
    Luke Abrahams, Vogue, 6 Feb. 2026
  • Republican confidence in other qualities, like acting ethically in office and respecting the country's democratic values, has declined since last February, according to Pew.
    Kinsey Crowley, USA Today, 3 Feb. 2026
Adverb
  • Halftime shows for many years were also fairly boring affairs.
    David Hill, Rolling Stone, 6 Feb. 2026
  • Despite that shift, conditions should otherwise be fairly consistent with lots of sunshine and overnight lows in the 40s.
    Julia James, Dallas Morning News, 6 Feb. 2026
Adverb
  • The belief that swing voters in Texas are too racist and sexist to be compromised with implies that defeat is the only morally acceptable option.
    Jonathan Chait, The Atlantic, 5 Feb. 2026
  • Failure is self-defined and morally neutral on these walls.
    Brittany Allen, Literary Hub, 4 Feb. 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
  • Chock and Bates opened the Games cleanly, scoring early and letting everyone else feel the weight of it.
    The Athletic Staff, New York Times, 9 Feb. 2026
  • That motion flows directly into a backflip, with Atlas tucking its body tightly, rotating midair, and landing cleanly on both feet.
    Jijo Malayil, Interesting Engineering, 9 Feb. 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 12 Feb. 2026.

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