LAWFUL Synonyms: 47 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: How is the word 'lawful' different from other adjectives like it?

Some common synonyms of lawful are legal , legitimate , and licit . While all these words mean "being in accordance with law," lawful may apply to conformity with law of any sort (such as natural, divine, common, or canon). // the lawful sovereign

Q: When would 'legal' be a good substitute for 'lawful'?

The meanings of legal and lawful largely overlap; however, legal applies to what is sanctioned by law or in conformity with the law, especially as it is written or administered by the courts. // legal residents of the state

Q: In what contexts can 'legitimate' take the place of 'lawful'?

The words legitimate and lawful can be used in similar contexts, but legitimate may apply to a legal right or status but also, in extended use, to a right or status supported by tradition, custom, or accepted standards. // a perfectly legitimate question about taxes

Q: Where would 'licit' be a reasonable alternative to 'lawful'?

While in some cases nearly identical to lawful , licit applies to a strict conformity to the provisions of the law and applies especially to what is regulated by law. // the licit use of drugs by doctors

lawful

adjective

ˈlȯ-fəl

Definition of lawful

as in legitimate

permitted by law hunting is a lawful activity only if you have the proper license

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How is the word lawful different from other adjectives like it?

Some common synonyms of lawful are legal, legitimate, and licit. While all these words mean "being in accordance with law," lawful may apply to conformity with law of any sort (such as natural, divine, common, or canon).

the lawful sovereign

When would legal be a good substitute for lawful?

The meanings of legal and lawful largely overlap; however, legal applies to what is sanctioned by law or in conformity with the law, especially as it is written or administered by the courts.

legal residents of the state

In what contexts can legitimate take the place of lawful?

The words legitimate and lawful can be used in similar contexts, but legitimate may apply to a legal right or status but also, in extended use, to a right or status supported by tradition, custom, or accepted standards.

a perfectly legitimate question about taxes

Where would licit be a reasonable alternative to lawful?

While in some cases nearly identical to lawful, licit applies to a strict conformity to the provisions of the law and applies especially to what is regulated by law.

the licit use of drugs by doctors

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 lawful The real estate company owner told investigators that Equinox bought the property interests from West’s heirs and took lawful possession of the property in September or October 2025. — Angie Dimichele, Sun Sentinel, 22 Oct. 2026 The company gained lawful possession of the home in probate proceedings in the fall of 2025, but when one of its employees tried to take possession of it, the employee encountered Sguros, according to the affidavit. — Marlene Lenthang, NBC news, 21 Oct. 2026 All 28 defendants are lawful permanent residents, also known as green card holders, according to the Justice Department. — Steve Large, CBS News, 20 Oct. 2026 All of the people charged Monday are lawful permanent residents of the United States. — Sharon Bernstein, Sacbee.com, 20 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for lawful

Recent Examples of Synonyms for lawful

Adjective

However, don't randomly disable legitimate Android system components because their technical names look strange.

— Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 23 Oct. 2026
At 100 percent on Rotten Tomatoes as of release day, Possible Love has reached a level of acclaim that places Jeon into legitimate Oscar contention — another first for her.

— David Canfield, HollywoodReporter, 23 Oct. 2026

Definition of legitimate

Adjective

Federal authorities on Monday charged more than two dozen legal permanent residents in California in a crackdown on people accused of illegally voting or registering to do so.

— Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 24 Oct. 2026
Florida law imposes limits on direct contributions to state candidates but generally allows political committees to accept unlimited contributions, subject to applicable reporting and other legal requirements.

— Luisa Yanez, Miami Herald, 24 Oct. 2026

Definition of legal

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“Lawful.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/lawful. Accessed 29 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of lawful

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