rightly

adverb

right·​ly ˈrīt-lē How to pronounce rightly (audio)
Synonyms of rightlynext
1
: in accordance with right conduct : fairly, justly
was treated rightly
2
: in the right or proper manner : properly, fittingly
people are rightly upset
3
: according to truth or fact : correctly, exactly
If I remember rightly, today is his birthday.

Synonyms of rightly

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Examples of rightly in a Sentence

If I remember rightly, today is his birthday. She rightly anticipated a decline in the value of the stock. He points out, quite rightly, that there are flaws in the theory. Many people, rightly or wrongly, believe the economy will soon improve. She rightly admires his paintings. People are rightly upset about the city's rising crime rate. Quite rightly, the police commissioner is being blamed for the city's rising crime rate. She is proud of her children, and rightly so.
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.
Marsch was very passionate and clearly very proud of his team after the defeat, and rightly so. — Ben Church, CNN Money, 5 July 2026 There were brief glimpses, such as the stunning volley against Blackpool on Boxing Day that rightly won the club’s award for goal of the season. — Richard Sutcliffe, New York Times, 26 June 2026 Many leaders are rightly enthusiastic about how AI can help reduce burnout, eliminate drudgery and free people up for more meaningful work. — Carrie Varoquiers, Forbes.com, 2 July 2026 The White House has seen polling that shows the American people rightly understand that immunization is important. — CBS News, 28 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for rightly

Word History

First Known Use

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of rightly was before the 12th century

Phrases Containing rightly

Rhymes for rightly

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Browse Nearby Words

rightlessness
rightly
right-minded
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Cite this Entry

“Rightly.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/rightly. Accessed 10 Jul. 2026.

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Kids Definition

rightly

adverb
right·​ly ˈrīt-lē How to pronounce rightly (audio)
1
: in agreement with right conduct
2
: in the right or proper manner
3
: in agreement with truth or fact

More from Merriam-Webster on rightly

Nglish: Translation of rightly for Spanish Speakers

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