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

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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 rightful After Alicent’s misunderstanding — which leads to Aegon II claiming the throne — Rhaenyra prepares for war and gathers allies to fight for her rightful claim to the throne. — Skyler Trepel, PEOPLE, 22 June 2026 But the Nahmads have not returned the piece, and now, a new ruling in New York Supreme Court on Tuesday, June 16 gives Nahmad 30 days to return the canvas to its rightful owners. — Brian Boucher, ARTnews.com, 18 June 2026 There’s much to love about cottonwood trees and their rightful place in our natural environment, such as along the Des Plaines River at Ryerson, Wright and Half Day Woods in Lake County. — Sheryl Devore, Chicago Tribune, 10 June 2026 Patrick Mahomes’ recent record-setting extension with the Kansas City Chiefs propelled him to the top of the NFL market, a rightful place for someone who has spent the past seven years as a Tier 1 selection in The Athletic’s annual Quarterback Tiers produced by Mike Sando. — Daniel Popper, New York Times, 12 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for rightful

Recent Examples of Synonyms for rightful

Adjective

Germany's head coach, Julian Nagelsmann, gave Ecuador its deserved praise for the win today, saying his own team failed to find its rhythm in the second half.

— Andrew Greif, NBC news, 26 June 2026
Two families continue to carry burdens that neither asked for nor deserved.

— Grethel Aguila, Miami Herald, 23 June 2026

Definition of deserved

Adjective

The goal is to reach justified confidence as fast as possible.

— Expert Panel®, Forbes.com, 1 July 2026
The answers to those questions are ‘not really’ and ‘probably not’, even if there’s justified criticism that Tuchel prioritised physicality, athleticism and versatility over technical quality.

— Liam Tharme, New York Times, 30 June 2026

Definition of justified

Browse Nearby Words

righters

rightful

rightfulness

See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

Style

“Rightful.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/rightful. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

Copy Citation

Synonyms of rightful

adjective

Example Sentences

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

More from Merriam-Webster on rightful

More from Merriam-Webster

Word of the Day

perfunctory

Popular in Grammar & Usage

Is that lie 'bald-faced' or 'bold-faced'?

'A' or 'an'? What about before 'h'? An Indefinite Article Guide

Why is '-ed' sometimes pronounced at the end of a word?

Commonly Misspelled Words

How to Use Em Dashes (—), En Dashes (–) , and Hyphens (-)

Popular in Wordplay

14 Phobias You Probably Haven't Heard Of

The Longest Long Words List

One-Word Oxymorons: Bittersweet, Spendthrift, and More

Ten Words Ending with a Silent ‘T’

12 Lovely and Unusual Words for the Natural World

Popular

Is that lie 'bald-faced' or 'bold-faced'?

14 Phobias You Probably Haven't Heard Of

The Longest Long Words List

Games & Quizzes