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
America’s armed forces are conditioned to obey the orders of civilian authorities, and rightly so.
—
Tom Nichols, The Atlantic, 19 Jan. 2026
Most financial advisers warn against overspending on status, and rightly so.
—Steve Booren, Denver Post, 18 Jan. 2026
States often screen their Medicaid rolls to exclude families who have begun earning too much money to qualify, but Congress rightly forbade that during the pandemic.
—Sun Sentinel Editorial Board, Sun Sentinel, 15 Jan. 2026
Connecticut residents are rightly frustrated with their electric bills.
—Will Taylor, Hartford Courant, 15 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for rightly
Tom Nichols, The Atlantic, 19 Jan. 2026
Most financial advisers warn against overspending on status, and rightly so.
—Steve Booren, Denver Post, 18 Jan. 2026
States often screen their Medicaid rolls to exclude families who have begun earning too much money to qualify, but Congress rightly forbade that during the pandemic.
—Sun Sentinel Editorial Board, Sun Sentinel, 15 Jan. 2026
Connecticut residents are rightly frustrated with their electric bills.
—Will Taylor, Hartford Courant, 15 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for rightly
Recent Examples of Synonyms for rightly
Adverb
-
This timing is meant to ensure the pill absorbs properly, McCoy explained.—
Jenna Anderson,
Health,
7 Jan. 2026
-
Keep in mind that firm menstrual cups are more likely to open properly after being inserted.—
BestReviews,
Mercury News,
7 Jan. 2026
Adverb
-
Troy was leery, noting disgustedly, and correctly, that law enforcement had decided this time to send a Black detective, Penelton, hoping that this would put him at ease enough to finally talk.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
28 Jan. 2026
-
However, this also means that if there is a problem with the pilot light, the water heater cannot function correctly.—
Timothy Dale,
The Spruce,
28 Jan. 2026
Adverb
-
This week’s forecast, appropriately enough, calls for sunshine and temperatures in the mid-70s for the 72-hole event.—
Kirk Kenney,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
27 Jan. 2026
-
Boyd was wearing a light-brown corduroy jacket with elbow patches that struck me as appropriately literary, and Wheeler was in blue shirtsleeves that matched his eyes.—
Nell Freudenberger,
Harpers Magazine,
27 Jan. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Rightly.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/rightly. Accessed 31 Jan. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
