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
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 rightly
Nor will those celebrating on the streets of Tehran who are rightly hailing what looks to them like a very helpful blow in the direction of winning their own personal freedoms, although that group is by no means all of Iran’s 93 million people.
—
The Editorial Board, Chicago Tribune, 1 Mar. 2026
Presidents who feel confident, wrongly or rightly so, sharpen contrasts with the opposing party instead.
—Averi Harper, ABC News, 25 Feb. 2026
This is a hugely popular tourist attraction in Singapore, and rightly so.
—Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 21 Feb. 2026
What This Season Tells Us Scientists remain rightly cautious about attributing any single event to climate change.
—Hanna Wickes, Charlotte Observer, 20 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for rightly
The Editorial Board, Chicago Tribune, 1 Mar. 2026
Presidents who feel confident, wrongly or rightly so, sharpen contrasts with the opposing party instead.
—Averi Harper, ABC News, 25 Feb. 2026
This is a hugely popular tourist attraction in Singapore, and rightly so.
—Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 21 Feb. 2026
What This Season Tells Us Scientists remain rightly cautious about attributing any single event to climate change.
—Hanna Wickes, Charlotte Observer, 20 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for rightly
Recent Examples of Synonyms for rightly
Adverb
-
According to the complaint, the historically Black university failed to maintain adequate security and did not properly respond to warnings about potential violence.—
Frederick Sutton Sinclair,
CBS News,
8 Mar. 2026
-
The screen installed on the door was not properly constructed to prevent pest entry, as the mesh openings were excessively large.—
David J. Neal,
Miami Herald,
8 Mar. 2026
Adverb
-
After conversing with the bots, participants correctly identified the hypothetical condition only about a third of the time.—
Katia Riddle,
NPR,
11 Mar. 2026
-
And time your ascent correctly—climbers should begin to descend no later than noon.—
Frederick Dreier,
Outside,
10 Mar. 2026
Adverb
-
An appropriately tropical vibe fills this 530-room property sprawling across 32 acres of blooms, tropical grass, stone cranes, and deities.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
10 Mar. 2026
-
For instance, provide them with a measuring cup to scoop out a serving of cereal or an appropriately-sized spoon to add potatoes to their plate.—
Sally Kuzemchak,
Parents,
7 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Rightly.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/rightly. Accessed 13 Mar. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
