rightful

adjective

right·​ful ˈrīt-fəl How to pronounce rightful (audio)
Synonyms of rightfulnext
1
: just, equitable
2
a
: having a just or legally established claim : legitimate
the rightful owner
b
: held by right or just claim : legal
rightful authority
3
: proper, fitting
… assured of his rightful place in history …—Brian Duff
rightfully
ˈrīt-fə-lē How to pronounce rightful (audio)
adverb
rightfulness noun

Synonyms of rightful

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Examples of rightful in a Sentence

The property should be returned to its rightful owner. He will be given his rightful place in the history books.
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.
In Season 1, Lee successfully honored Dale’s wishes to restore the Washberg’s land to its rightful owners, the Osage Nation. — Ben Travers, IndieWire, 14 Oct. 2026 Who Should Win Kehlani, Kehlani Kehlani is the rightful victor here. — Meagan Jordan, Rolling Stone, 9 Oct. 2026 Some 30 years after Sporty Spice returned the tracksuit to its rightful place in pop culture’s top shelf, the British pop superstar is parting ways with three memorable pieces that will be racked in Australian Red Cross Shops. — Lars Brandle, Billboard, 2 Oct. 2026 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 See All Example Sentences for rightful

Word History

First Known Use

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of rightful was before the 12th century

Rhymes for rightful

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Browse Nearby Words

right fielder
rightful
rightfully
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Cite this Entry

“Rightful.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/rightful. Accessed 19 Oct. 2026.

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Kids Definition

rightful

adjective
right·​ful ˈrīt-fəl How to pronounce rightful (audio)
1
: just entry 1 sense 2a
2
: having a just or legal claim : legitimate
the rightful owner
rightfully
-fə-lē How to pronounce rightful (audio)
adverb
rightfulness noun
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