LAWFUL Synonyms: 47 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: How is the word 'lawful' different from other adjectives like it?

Some common synonyms of lawful are legal , legitimate , and licit . While all these words mean "being in accordance with law," lawful may apply to conformity with law of any sort (such as natural, divine, common, or canon). // the lawful sovereign

Q: When would 'legal' be a good substitute for 'lawful'?

The meanings of legal and lawful largely overlap; however, legal applies to what is sanctioned by law or in conformity with the law, especially as it is written or administered by the courts. // legal residents of the state

Q: In what contexts can 'legitimate' take the place of 'lawful'?

The words legitimate and lawful can be used in similar contexts, but legitimate may apply to a legal right or status but also, in extended use, to a right or status supported by tradition, custom, or accepted standards. // a perfectly legitimate question about taxes

Q: Where would 'licit' be a reasonable alternative to 'lawful'?

While in some cases nearly identical to lawful , licit applies to a strict conformity to the provisions of the law and applies especially to what is regulated by law. // the licit use of drugs by doctors

lawful

adjective

ˈlȯ-fəl

Definition of lawful

as in legitimate

permitted by law hunting is a lawful activity only if you have the proper license

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How is the word lawful different from other adjectives like it?

Some common synonyms of lawful are legal, legitimate, and licit. While all these words mean "being in accordance with law," lawful may apply to conformity with law of any sort (such as natural, divine, common, or canon).

the lawful sovereign

When would legal be a good substitute for lawful?

The meanings of legal and lawful largely overlap; however, legal applies to what is sanctioned by law or in conformity with the law, especially as it is written or administered by the courts.

legal residents of the state

In what contexts can legitimate take the place of lawful?

The words legitimate and lawful can be used in similar contexts, but legitimate may apply to a legal right or status but also, in extended use, to a right or status supported by tradition, custom, or accepted standards.

a perfectly legitimate question about taxes

Where would licit be a reasonable alternative to lawful?

While in some cases nearly identical to lawful, licit applies to a strict conformity to the provisions of the law and applies especially to what is regulated by law.

the licit use of drugs by doctors

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 lawful Unlike Hamas, which deliberately targets Israeli civilians, the IDF takes all feasible precautions to mitigate harm to civilians and operates under a structured targeting framework designed to ensure the identification of lawful military objectives. — Beth Bailey, FOXNews.com, 15 Oct. 2026 Confidence in elections is strengthened through transparency, professional election administration, lawful observation and respect for voters. — Orlando Sentinel Staff, The Orlando Sentinel, 13 Oct. 2026 Because the tax would provide general revenue, the city would have flexibility in how the money is spent on lawful city programs, improvements and services. — Nicole Buss, Sacbee.com, 12 Oct. 2026 Both men are Cuban nationals with lawful permanent residences in the United States, according to their complaints. — David Goodhue october 7, Miami Herald, 7 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for lawful

Recent Examples of Synonyms for lawful

Adjective

If benefits shrink or get taxed more aggressively down the road (which is a legitimate concern) having a tax-free income source gives you flexibility a pre-tax account simply can’t.

— Jeanne Sahadi, CNN Money, 17 Oct. 2026
Blake Grupe has kicked for two NFL teams, but never for a legitimate contender.

— Gary Klein, Los Angeles Times, 17 Oct. 2026

Definition of legitimate

Adjective

That argument became central to the administration's legal claims that the ballroom must be built.

— Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 18 Oct. 2026
Advertisement Some may hesitate to perform CPR because of legal concerns over causing injury—like rib fractures—while administering CPR, but every state has Good Samaritan laws providing protections to people who render emergency aid in good faith.

— Meng Yang, Time, 18 Oct. 2026

Definition of legal

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“Lawful.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/lawful. Accessed 21 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of lawful

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