legality

noun

le·​gal·​i·​ty li-ˈga-lə-tē How to pronounce legality (audio)
plural legalities
Synonyms of legalitynext
1
: attachment to or observance of law
2
: the quality or state of being legal : lawfulness
3
legalities plural : obligations imposed by law

Synonyms of legality

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Examples of legality in a Sentence

the senator questioned the legality of the proposed surveillance operation
Recent Examples on the Web
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.
The ruling immediately calls into question the legality of local fire fees in a handful of other Georgia counties. — David Wickert, AJC.com, 16 Oct. 2026 The legality of the ban remains the subject of a Supreme Court challenge. — Inaya Folarin Iman, CBS News, 15 Oct. 2026 Some attorneys questioned the legality of charging 18% interest, and most agreed that the higher rate would have to be disclosed in a contract to be legally enforceable. — Matthew Kelly, Kansas City Star, 12 Oct. 2026 The previously brutalist shape is now adorned with the jewelry of reflectors that are required by the necessities of street legality, and of course there are now four doors rather than two. — Jonathan M. Gitlin, ArsTechnica, 7 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for legality

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of legality was in the 15th century

Rhymes for legality

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Browse Nearby Words

legalistic
legality
legalization
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Cite this Entry

“Legality.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/legality. Accessed 20 Oct. 2026.

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Kids Definition

legality

noun
le·​gal·​i·​ty li-ˈgal-ət-ē How to pronounce legality (audio)
plural legalities
1
: the quality or state of being legal : lawfulness
2
: something that is required by law

Legal Definition

legality

noun
le·​gal·​i·​ty li-ˈga-lə-tē How to pronounce legality (audio)
plural legalities
1
: attachment to or observance of law
2
: the quality or state of being legal : lawfulness
3
plural : obligations imposed by law
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