RIGHTFUL Synonyms: 60 Similar and Opposite Words

rightful

adjective

ˈrīt-fəl

Definition of rightful

as in deserved

being what is called for by accepted standards of right and wrong in light of her admission of having lied, the only rightful course of action for the governor would be to resign

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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 rightful Every piece of mail, document, invitation, receipt, and other paper stops here before eventually getting sorted into its rightful place. — Jessica Bennett, Better Homes & Gardens, 22 Sep. 2026 Big Tex, the iconic mascot of the State Fair of Texas, returned to his rightful place in Fair Park this Friday ahead of the fair's opening day next week. — Steven Rosenbaum, CBS News, 18 Sep. 2026 There were even boos when the judges issued their (probably rightful) rating. — Katie Campione, Deadline, 15 Sep. 2026 From the truth behind Thor’s hammer and the goddess Amaterasu to Princess Badoure from One Thousand and One Nights, the show restores these legends to their rightful place in our collective memory. — Kevin Giraud, Variety, 8 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for rightful

Recent Examples of Synonyms for rightful

Adjective

Carter Faith has an outside, but critically deserved, chance to join them.

— Marissa R. Moss, Rolling Stone, 19 Oct. 2026
The question is whether Google — a company with a deserved reputation for giving up when the going gets tough — has the commitment to see this through and turn things around.

— Dominic Preston, The Verge, 12 Oct. 2026

Definition of deserved

Adjective

The Mississippi attorney general’s office said its review found the fatal shooting was a justified use of force.

— Jack Brook, Los Angeles Times, 22 Oct. 2026
Crump on Monday pointed out that authorities have yet to release video footage of the encounter to support the attorney general's finding that the shooting was a justified use of force.

— SOPHIE BATES, Arkansas Online, 20 Oct. 2026

Definition of justified

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righters

rightful

rightfulness

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“Rightful.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/rightful. Accessed 28 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of rightful

adjective

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