law-abiding

adjective

ˈlȯ-ə-ˌbī-diŋ How to pronounce law-abiding (audio)
Definition of law-abidingnext
as in obedient
readily giving in to the command or authority of another the law-abiding citizens of the neighborhood did everything they could to help reduce street crime

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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 law-abiding In the past, immigration authorities could exercise their discretion by not focusing resources on people who were otherwise law-abiding and maybe had a family, Dougherty said. — Idaho Statesman, 28 May 2026 Russia and China are using lawfare—strategically and intentionally exploiting gaps in international law—to thwart law-abiding states’ attempts to stop the shadow fleet. — Jill Goldenziel, Forbes.com, 26 June 2026 Californians are paying nearly seven dollars a gallon for gas, struggling under crushing housing and energy costs, watching businesses flee the state, and seeing government increasingly prioritize ideological activism over the needs of law-abiding citizens. — Kaitlyn Schallhorn, Oc Register, 21 May 2026 Adopting the Republican National Committee’s position would necessarily disenfranchise voters in the military and law-abiding citizens who are permitted to vote absentee or by mail and have their ballots postmarked at or prior to Election Day. — John E. Jones Iii, The Conversation, 1 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for law-abiding
Recent Examples of Synonyms for law-abiding
obedient
Adjective
  • Second, victims of higher taxes don’t stand still and get sheared like obedient sheep.
    — Steve Forbes, Forbes.com, 26 June 2026
  • The dogs Kostyukevich saw on Happy K9 Academy’s Instagram page seemed happy and obedient.
    — Taylor Romine, CNN Money, 25 June 2026
Definition of obedient

Browse Nearby Words

law
law-abiding
law-abidingness
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Cite this Entry

“Law-abiding.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/law-abiding. Accessed 8 Jul. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on law-abiding

Nglish: Translation of law-abiding for Spanish Speakers

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