rightful

1 of 2

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

rightfulness

2 of 2

noun

right·​ful·​ness
-fəlnə̇s
plural -es
: the quality or state of being right : the justness or equity of something : accordance with right and justice
feeling the rightfulness of the world—Willard Luce

Synonyms of rightful

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Adjective

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Examples of rightful in a Sentence

Adjective 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.
Adjective
After getting their agreement to return the paintings, Germain set about contacting their rightful owners. — Anne Doran, ARTnews.com, 4 Sep. 2026 In a series of videos posted on social media and flagged by KOB4, Martinez filmed himself tearing the camera towers down in order to return them to their rightful owners. — Joe Wilkins, Futurism, 3 Sep. 2026 Replacing Milwaukee's Excalibur A sword stolen from a stone 80 years ago is returning to its rightful place thanks to the efforts of a local nonprofit group. — Steven Martinez, jsonline.com, 30 Aug. 2026 Kimmel and Damon then bicker over who has a rightful paternal claim to the child, culminating in a pitch-perfect spoof of Maury featuring Short as Povich. — Ryan Coleman, Entertainment Weekly, 22 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for rightful

Word History

Etymology

Noun

Middle English rihtfulnes, rightfulnes, from rihtful, rightful + -nes -ness

First Known Use

Adjective

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 7 Sep. 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
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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