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
According to the arrest report, the procedure — which legally can only be done by a licensed medical professional — left the patient burned and blistered and with necrosis (dead tissue).
—
Cindy Krischer Goodman, Sun Sentinel, 26 Feb. 2026
Some doctors worry that they could be held legally responsible for a problem that arose at home.
—Aria Bendix, NBC news, 26 Feb. 2026
These were clauses in property deeds that legally blocked people of color from buying or renting, keeping neighborhoods intentionally segregated.
—Amy Johnson, CBS News, 26 Feb. 2026
Since that ruling in 2024, Sacramento can legally ban people from camping on public property even if no shelter bed is available to them.
—Theresa Clift, Sacbee.com, 25 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for legally
Cindy Krischer Goodman, Sun Sentinel, 26 Feb. 2026
Some doctors worry that they could be held legally responsible for a problem that arose at home.
—Aria Bendix, NBC news, 26 Feb. 2026
These were clauses in property deeds that legally blocked people of color from buying or renting, keeping neighborhoods intentionally segregated.
—Amy Johnson, CBS News, 26 Feb. 2026
Since that ruling in 2024, Sacramento can legally ban people from camping on public property even if no shelter bed is available to them.
—Theresa Clift, Sacbee.com, 25 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for legally
Recent Examples of Synonyms for legally
Adverb
-
In addition, guests can enjoy ethically sourced tea from Masha (each bag is compostable and stamped with vegetable ink).—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
21 Feb. 2026
-
This can create significant pressure to acquire funding – but this must always be done in an ethically and morally appropriate way.—
Brian Herman,
Fortune,
20 Feb. 2026
Adverb
-
The backstory Opened in 2025, Fairmont Tokyo is fairly new to the city's hotel scene.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
27 Feb. 2026
-
Rings, while wide and bright, can actually be fairly ethereal; all the material in Saturn’s rings only add up to a sphere about 400 kilometers across, about the size of its midsize moons.—
Phil Plait,
Scientific American,
27 Feb. 2026
Adverb
-
The film weaves together family drama, thriller elements and dark humor, with a morally complex female protagonist at its center, and is aimed at the international festival circuit.—
Naman Ramachandran,
Variety,
26 Feb. 2026
-
Our children will be paying the costs, both financially and morally, for the actions our government is undertaking today.—
Reader Commentary,
Baltimore Sun,
26 Feb. 2026
Adverb
-
Dunk eventually became Lord Commander of the Kingsguard, serving honorably and admirably.—
James Grebey,
Vulture,
23 Feb. 2026
-
He was honorably discharged with the rank of sergeant but was never deployed.—
Kaitlin McCallum,
Hartford Courant,
12 Feb. 2026
Adverb
-
The boutique alternative art fair founded last year by gallerist Chris Sharp is returning to its open-format venue in Santa Monica — a historic 1930s Art Deco post office (hence the name).—
Evan Nicole Brown,
Los Angeles Times,
23 Feb. 2026
-
Or does fair have zero to do with this?—
Zach Harper,
New York Times,
17 Feb. 2026
Adverb
-
The issue does not break cleanly along partisan lines, and passage in either chamber was uncertain.—
Dan Mangan,Leslie Josephs,Spencer Kimball,CJ Haddad,Justin Papp,Jordan Novet,
CNBC,
28 Feb. 2026
-
While the Morgan Stanley thesis reflects historical optimism, history’s lessons may not apply cleanly in a situation with a shift from tools that amplify labor to systems that replace cognition.—
Nick Lichtenberg,
Fortune,
26 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
Cite this Entry
“Legally.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/legally. Accessed 5 Mar. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
