as in properly
in a manner suitable for the occasion or purpose
marveling at the awesome sight, we had to agree that the Grand Canyon was rightly named
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of rightly
The Hurricanes football team is in the spotlight, and rightly so, with a national championship game a week away.
—
Michelle Kaufman, Miami Herald, 11 Jan. 2026
Progressives have long argued — often rightly — that incendiary rhetoric from public officials can legitimize harassment, intimidation, and violence.
—David Moore, New York Daily News, 11 Jan. 2026
Her custom look in yellow crepe georgette felt fresh and modern and rightly stood out in a night teeming in black gowns and tuxedo interpretations.
—Laurie Brookins, HollywoodReporter, 9 Jan. 2026
The focus rightly turned to new coach Pete Golding and the Ole Miss players.
—Steve Henson, Los Angeles Times, 2 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for rightly
Michelle Kaufman, Miami Herald, 11 Jan. 2026
Progressives have long argued — often rightly — that incendiary rhetoric from public officials can legitimize harassment, intimidation, and violence.
—David Moore, New York Daily News, 11 Jan. 2026
Her custom look in yellow crepe georgette felt fresh and modern and rightly stood out in a night teeming in black gowns and tuxedo interpretations.
—Laurie Brookins, HollywoodReporter, 9 Jan. 2026
The focus rightly turned to new coach Pete Golding and the Ole Miss players.
—Steve Henson, Los Angeles Times, 2 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for rightly
Recent Examples of Synonyms for rightly
Adverb
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This timing is meant to ensure the pill absorbs properly, McCoy explained.—
Jenna Anderson,
Health,
7 Jan. 2026
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Keep in mind that firm menstrual cups are more likely to open properly after being inserted.—
BestReviews,
Mercury News,
7 Jan. 2026
Adverb
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With the pick, everyone but Thicke now has a correct guess to their name — Jeong correctly guessed David Ortiz was Googly Eyes in the premiere, McCarthy-Wahlberg nabbed the Croissants, and Ora called out her longtime pal, Haddish.—
Lauren Huff,
Entertainment Weekly,
15 Jan. 2026
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According to some care labels, specific wool coats can be washed at home if done correctly with a gentle wool wash or detergent, low water temperatures, and gentle agitation.—
Mary Marlowe Leverette,
The Spruce,
14 Jan. 2026
Adverb
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Williams made an appropriately horny joke during an interview with Gayle King, while Storrie's interactions with The Bear star Ayo Edebiri made the rounds online.—
Nick Romano,
Entertainment Weekly,
12 Jan. 2026
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But at what cost if talent and assets are not managed appropriately?—
Jeffrey Sonnenfeld,
Fortune,
12 Jan. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Rightly.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/rightly. Accessed 18 Jan. 2026.
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