rights 1 of 2

Definition of rightsnext
plural of right
1
as in privileges
something to which one has a just claim everyone has the right to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness

Synonyms & Similar Words

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2
as in claims
an entitlement to something what right do you have to tell us what to do?

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

rights

2 of 2

verb

present tense third-person singular of right

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 rights
Noun
Strandjord pointed to mounting cases in which US citizens have been detained while protesting or exercising First Amendment rights, including the rights of journalists. Alaa Elassar, CNN Money, 2 Feb. 2026 In 1992, Michael Pietsch, a young editor at Little, Brown and Company acquired the rights to David Foster Wallace’s novel, Infinite Jest. Literary Hub, 2 Feb. 2026 Worker Justice Center, an advocacy and research institution that partners with labor unions and community groups to address labor rights and social justice. Ruben Vives, Los Angeles Times, 1 Feb. 2026 Many African Americans watching protests calling for easing restrictions meant to slow the spread of the new coronavirus see them as one more example of how their health, their safety and their rights just don't seem to matter. Ernie Suggs, AJC.com, 1 Feb. 2026 On the oil front, companies should be granted equal rights to invest, rather than privileging business figures linked to the regime, as recent hydrocarbon law changes appear to do. Juan Pablo Spinetto, Twin Cities, 1 Feb. 2026 Magnier and McManus were also United’s biggest shareholders but, bizarrely, became embroiled in a legal dispute with Ferguson over ownership of the horse’s stud rights which turned toxic. Chris McKenna, New York Times, 1 Feb. 2026 In its last set of rights deals struck for a 11-year period starting with the 2022 season, the NFL won the right to overhaul its contracts and seek better terms after 2029. Brian Steinberg, Variety, 1 Feb. 2026 The governor didn’t act on a bill that would give the Wabanaki Nations exclusive rights to operate internet gaming in the state. Center Square, The Washington Examiner, 7 Jan. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for rights
Noun
  • As is taking away china privileges from even one-time offenders.
    Judith Martin, Sun Sentinel, 30 Jan. 2026
  • Another 200,000 pages were withheld over legal privileges.
    Luke Barr, ABC News, 30 Jan. 2026
Noun
  • All prize claims must be submitted within 180 days of the drawing date for draw games.
    Chris Sims, IndyStar, 2 Feb. 2026
  • If Newsom were to run for national office in a couple of years, he would be subjected to the right’s usual claims that Californians are latte-sipping vegan leftists.
    Nathan Heller, New Yorker, 1 Feb. 2026
Verb
  • There are so many reasons to be mad; the mostly baseless and endless attacks on higher education, the dismantling of life-saving research, ICE, the subverting of policy that redresses shameful social harms.
    Wendy Nelson Espeland, Chicago Tribune, 3 Feb. 2026
Noun
  • The district judge declined her jurisdictional prerogatives, saying that the case was too serious to be settled in a magistrates’ court and must be heard by a Crown Court, which deals with the most severe criminal offenses.
    Rosa Lyster, Harpers Magazine, 30 Dec. 2025
  • That goal neatly aligns with the record industry’s shifting prerogatives.
    Spencer Kornhaber, The Atlantic, 18 Dec. 2025
Noun
  • The nation was to be purged of continual sin not indeed all of its own doing—due partly to its inheritance; and yet a sin, a negation that gave the world the right to sneer at the pretensions of this republic.
    James Folta, Literary Hub, 23 Jan. 2026
  • This action comedy is audacious in portraying the pretensions of show business.
    Kevin Jacobsen, Entertainment Weekly, 19 Jan. 2026
Verb
  • If a parent or roommate brings up an old issue, thank them for caring, then suggest a small step that improves daily life.
    Tarot.com, New York Daily News, 6 Feb. 2026
  • Marula and cacay oils supply skin with fatty acids and antioxidants that help support elasticity, while rosehip oil improves the look of tone and texture.
    Christa Joanna Lee, Allure, 5 Feb. 2026
Verb
  • Nothing betters the gift of time.
    Brie Stimson , Stephanie Nolasco , Ashley Papa, FOXNews.com, 9 Jan. 2026
Verb
  • Stay prepared for those just-in-case scenarios by stocking everything from itch creams and allergy meds to cold and headache remedies.
    Betsy Cribb Watson, Southern Living, 29 Jan. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Rights.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/rights. Accessed 8 Feb. 2026.

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