RIGHTLY Synonyms: 36 Similar and Opposite Words

rightly

adverb

ˈrīt-lē

Definition of rightly

as in properly

in a manner suitable for the occasion or purpose marveling at the awesome sight, we had to agree that the Grand Canyon was rightly named

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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 rightly Today, the Court rightly rejected efforts to undermine that core protection and instead upheld a principle that is essential to our democracy. — Mike Snider, USA Today, 1 July 2026 Never mind that the government has rightly decimated the Outfit by aggressive prosecution. — Gary Grasso, Chicago Tribune, 26 June 2026 This week’s narrow Supreme Court decision protecting birthright citizenship is rightly being hailed as a triumph for the American experiment. — Los Angeles Times, 1 July 2026 France is a climate-conscious population; there has been a strong aversion to air-conditioning, understood, rightly, as a Band-Aid that might hasten the deleterious resolution of the climate crisis. — Doreen St. Félix, New Yorker, 27 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for rightly

Recent Examples of Synonyms for rightly

Adverb

The chronic disease, which impairs the body’s ability to properly regulate blood sugar, contributed to 94,445 deaths that year.

— Melissa Rudy, FOXNews.com, 3 July 2026
Consoles, controllers, accessories, weird VR gloves that never worked properly, but mostly the games themselves.

— David Pierce, The Verge, 2 July 2026

Definition of properly

Adverb

In 1785, astronomer William Herschel set about mapping our galaxy, correctly determining the disk-like shape of the Milky Way but incorrectly placing the solar system at its heart.

— Robert Lea, Space.com, 3 July 2026
Choosing the right products and using them correctly supports overall health and well-being.

— Anna Giorgi, Verywell Health, 3 July 2026

Definition of correctly

Adverb

This sci-fi extravaganza was the perfect summertime escape that was appropriately launched over the festive Fourth of July week.

— Jeff Spry, Space.com, 3 July 2026
Before adopting and offering access to AI agents, organizations need to learn which can withstand today’s adaptive attacks by ensuring data, assets and privacy are appropriately secure.

— Expert Panel®, Forbes.com, 2 July 2026

Definition of appropriately

Browse Nearby Words

rightists

rightly

right-minded

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

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Synonyms of rightly

adverb

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