LEGAL Synonyms: 69 Similar and Opposite Words

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

Some common synonyms of legal are lawful , legitimate , and licit . While all these words mean "being in accordance with law," 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: When can 'lawful' be used instead of 'legal'?

The meanings of lawful and legal largely overlap; however, lawful may apply to conformity with law of any sort (such as natural, divine, common, or canon). // the lawful sovereign

Q: Where would 'legitimate' be a reasonable alternative to 'legal'?

In some situations, the words legitimate and legal are roughly equivalent. However, 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: When would 'licit' be a good substitute for 'legal'?

The words licit and legal can be used in similar contexts, but 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

legal

adjective

ˈlē-gəl

Definition of legal

as in legitimate

permitted by law the congressman's fund-raising efforts, though arguably unethical, were determined to be legal

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in moral

following or according to the rules the referee declared it a legal play

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

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

Some common synonyms of legal are lawful, legitimate, and licit. While all these words mean "being in accordance with law," 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

When can lawful be used instead of legal?

The meanings of lawful and legal largely overlap; however, lawful may apply to conformity with law of any sort (such as natural, divine, common, or canon).

the lawful sovereign

Where would legitimate be a reasonable alternative to legal?

In some situations, the words legitimate and legal are roughly equivalent. However, 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

When would licit be a good substitute for legal?

The words licit and legal can be used in similar contexts, but 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 legal The sentencing on Friday, which came a week after the men were found guilty, marked the end of a lengthy legal process over the killings of Australians Callum and Jake Robinson, and American Carter Redd Rhoad. — Fabiola Sánchez, Los Angeles Times, 17 Oct. 2026 The arms deal came to light when a text message from Seaver was included in a legal dispute between him and Parton’s estate last month. — Jacqueline Charles, Miami Herald, 17 Oct. 2026 Instead, voters will decide whether the province should remain in Canada or begin the legal process toward a future referendum on separation. — ABC News, 17 Oct. 2026 The archaic legal restrictions restricting same-sex couples or unmarried women, for example, are acknowledged and adhered to, rather than being openly challenged or criticized. — Guy Lodge, Variety, 11 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for legal

Recent Examples of Synonyms for legal

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

Such acts undermine Israel's security, its regional and international standing, and the moral fabric of our society.

— Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 19 Oct. 2026
Subsequent generations of founders drew from these tales the moral lesson that every great company originates in betrayal and is sustained by combat.

— Gideon Lewis-Kraus, New Yorker, 19 Oct. 2026

Definition of moral

Adjective

Cringe names our ethical recognition of the stakes of emptying out these words.

— Eugenie Brinkema, ARTnews.com, 17 Oct. 2026
But Craig Holman, a lobbyist with the government accountability nonprofit advocacy group Public Citizen, told the AP that Marshall’s actions raised ethical red flags.

— Matthew Kelly, Kansas City Star, 16 Oct. 2026

Definition of ethical

Adjective

So for every dollar going into oil, gas and coal, close to two now go into clean power.

— Sophie Dembinski, Fortune, 16 Oct. 2026
Guests can borrow Bluejay electric bikes, refill at hydration stations on every floor, and shop clean skincare lines at the spa boutique.

— Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 16 Oct. 2026

Definition of clean

Adjective

Still, Converse’s sales hemorrhage raises fair questions about whether this is more than a cyclical decline.

— Phil Wahba, Fortune, 20 Oct. 2026
In response, Logan said his office is focused on conducting a fair and secure election while noting that Election Day is a mere 18 days away.

— Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 20 Oct. 2026

Definition of fair

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legacy

legal

legal eagle

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“Legal.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/legal. Accessed 22 Oct. 2026.

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