as in deserved
being what is called for by accepted standards of right and wrong
in light of her admission of having lied, the only rightful course of action for the governor would be to resign
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Recent Examples of rightful
Seeing her work gathered anew is less about nostalgia than about recognizing her rightful place in the canon.
—
Okla Jones, Essence, 24 Sep. 2025
Lessons to learn from Tuskegee Ladapo’s word choice also runs the risk of perpetuating the rightful mistrust that continues to exist in communities of color about vaccines and the American health system more broadly.
—Stacie Kershner, The Conversation, 22 Sep. 2025
Within 30 minutes, Facebook users helped Davis track down the envelope’s rightful owner, according to an update within the post.
—Abigail Adams, PEOPLE, 19 Sep. 2025
So, when did Sebastian take his rightful place as the U’s biggest fan?
—Miami Herald, 29 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for rightful
Okla Jones, Essence, 24 Sep. 2025
Lessons to learn from Tuskegee Ladapo’s word choice also runs the risk of perpetuating the rightful mistrust that continues to exist in communities of color about vaccines and the American health system more broadly.
—Stacie Kershner, The Conversation, 22 Sep. 2025
Within 30 minutes, Facebook users helped Davis track down the envelope’s rightful owner, according to an update within the post.
—Abigail Adams, PEOPLE, 19 Sep. 2025
So, when did Sebastian take his rightful place as the U’s biggest fan?
—Miami Herald, 29 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for rightful
Recent Examples of Synonyms for rightful
Adjective
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Sacramento State Football, postgame concert with Lil Yachty Hornets football is coming off a bye-week getting some deserved rest and extra reps before their next game.—
Marcus Smith,
Sacbee.com,
17 Oct. 2025
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Jake Sullivan, who was former President Joe Biden’s national security adviser, also said Trump deserved credit for the peace deal.—
Khaleda Rahman,
MSNBC Newsweek,
13 Oct. 2025
Adjective
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Authenticity is a word bandied around by commissioners and execs, but in the case of the Osbournes its use feels justified.—
Stewart Clarke,
Deadline,
11 Oct. 2025
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Sporting director Richard Hughes and head coach Arne Slot also decided against sending Vitezslav Jaros on loan last season as they were concerned an injury to Alisson would leave the squad short, a decision that proved justified.—
Gregg Evans,
New York Times,
9 Oct. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Rightful.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/rightful. Accessed 18 Oct. 2025.
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