legality

noun

le·​gal·​i·​ty li-ˈga-lə-tē How to pronounce legality (audio)
plural legalities
Synonyms of legalitynext
1
: attachment to or observance of law
2
: the quality or state of being legal : lawfulness
3
legalities plural : obligations imposed by law

Synonyms of legality

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Examples of legality in a Sentence

the senator questioned the legality of the proposed surveillance operation
Recent Examples on the Web
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.
In September, his sister Catalina Rivero, 72, filed a lawsuit challenging the legality of his detention and seeking his release. — Claire Healy, Miami Herald, 30 Oct. 2026 The petition represents the first time a Commonwealth realm has sought a legal determination on the legality of Britain’s trafficking and enslavement of Africans. — Brooke N. Newman, The Conversation, 29 Oct. 2026 But the evaluation will not probe the legality of the strikes. — CBS News, 28 Oct. 2026 The Pearsons’ group, Memphis Community Against Pollution, has questioned the legality of the company’s use of gas turbines at the data centers, alleging violations of the Clean Air Act and raising concerns about air quality. — Keeanga-Yamahtta Taylor, New Yorker, 22 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for legality

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of legality was in the 15th century

Rhymes for legality

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Browse Nearby Words

legalistic
legality
legalization
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Cite this Entry

“Legality.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/legality. Accessed 1 Nov. 2026.

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Kids Definition

legality

noun
le·​gal·​i·​ty li-ˈgal-ət-ē How to pronounce legality (audio)
plural legalities
1
: the quality or state of being legal : lawfulness
2
: something that is required by law

Legal Definition

legality

noun
le·​gal·​i·​ty li-ˈga-lə-tē How to pronounce legality (audio)
plural legalities
1
: attachment to or observance of law
2
: the quality or state of being legal : lawfulness
3
plural : obligations imposed by law
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