Synonym Chooser

How is the word licit different from other adjectives like it?

Some common synonyms of licit are lawful, legal, and legitimate. While all these words mean "being in accordance with law," licit applies to a strict conformity to the provisions of the law and applies especially to what is regulated by law.

the licit use of drugs by doctors

When is it sensible to use lawful instead of licit?

The words lawful and licit can be used in similar contexts, but lawful may apply to conformity with law of any sort (such as natural, divine, common, or canon).

the lawful sovereign

In what contexts can legal take the place of licit?

While in some cases nearly identical to licit, legal applies to what is sanctioned by law or in conformity with the law, especially as it is written or administered by the courts.

legal residents of the state

Where would legitimate be a reasonable alternative to licit?

Although the words legitimate and licit have much in common, legitimate may apply to a legal right or status but also, in extended use, to a right or status supported by tradition, custom, or accepted standards.

a perfectly legitimate question about taxes

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 licit Bowyer’s co-workers became clients of his bookmaking operation, the line between his licit and illicit earnings becoming so porous as to feel nonexistent. David Amsden, Rolling Stone, 29 Aug. 2025 Saulnier’s script suggests his thorough research into the fine points of police procedure, licit and illicit, and likewise into the intricacies of judicial authority and hand-to-hand combat (including minutiae about firearms and ammunition). Richard Brody, The New Yorker, 13 Sep. 2024 In Guerrero, more than 65% live in poverty, and around 40 criminal groups operate in different licit and illicit activities, according to the International Crisis Group. Karol Suárez, The Courier-Journal, 25 Apr. 2024 In trying to please its senior ranks, the army has allowed officers to benefit from criminal enterprises—the army helps preside over Myanmar’s licit and illicit economies. Avinash Paliwal, Foreign Affairs, 24 Jan. 2024 But animals’ taste for human goods — licit and illicit — can also bring trouble for them and for us. Emily Anthes, New York Times, 21 Feb. 2023 The only morally licit treatment of an ectopic pregnancy, for a Catholic, besides watch and wait, is the salpingectomy, on the basis that the demise of the pregnancy is an indirect effect of acting to preserve the mother’s life. Joanna Petrone, Longreads, 18 Aug. 2017
Recent Examples of Synonyms for licit
Adjective
  • Some believe that Sanders will end up being a legitimate starting NFL quarterback.
    Evan Massey, MSNBC Newsweek, 11 Oct. 2025
  • One former OpenAI employee who was not authorized to speak publicly said being worried about safety protections dropping over time is a legitimate fear.
    Bobby Allyn, NPR, 10 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • As part of a legal settlement, Solvay agreed to pay more than $393 million and to clean up contamination.
    Sharon Lerner, ProPublica, 10 Oct. 2025
  • This year has been nothing short of horrific for our country’s Latine population, thanks to the current administration’s anti-immigration legislation and numerous, often-violent ICE raids, resulting in mass deportations and detainment (sometimes among legal residents and citizens).
    Sofía Viera, Allure, 10 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • Under military law, service members are obligated to obey lawful orders, but to disobey unlawful orders.
    Ellie Cook, MSNBC Newsweek, 7 Oct. 2025
  • Some scholarship programs require a lawful immigration status.
    Vanessa Delgado, The Conversation, 6 Oct. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Licit.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/licit. Accessed 13 Oct. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on licit

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