legal

adjective

ˈlē-gəl How to pronounce legal (audio)
Definition of legalnext
1
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
2
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 deal ends a generations-long search for the missing portrait and a yearlong legal saga that began in August 2025. — Sergio Farella, Los Angeles Times, 5 Sep. 2026 The couple went on to welcome Daniel, who expressed interest in following in his parents’ legal footsteps. — Caroline Blair, PEOPLE, 5 Sep. 2026 The legal filings marked the latest salvo in Missouri’s protracted redistricting fight. — Kacen Bayless, Kansas City Star, 5 Sep. 2026 The Missouri Supreme Court, however, said the state’s concerns about confusion, expense, and practical difficulties did not change the legal status of HB 1. — Rena Rowe, The Washington Examiner, 5 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for legal
Recent Examples of Synonyms for legal
  1. legitimate
  2. moral
  3. ethical
  4. clean
  5. fair
Adjective
  • The investigation found Love posted photographs and videos of himself wearing 49ers gear and portrayed himself as a legitimate player.
    — Joshua Hong, Fortune, 5 Sep. 2026
  • Many claims are thought to be legitimate and no plaintiffs in the settlement have been charged with wrongdoing.
    — Rebecca Ellis, Los Angeles Times, 4 Sep. 2026
Definition of legitimate
Adjective
  • The psychological thriller, which Zeller wrote, produced and directed, follows the emotional and moral challenges faced by a couple in an increasingly uncertain world.
    — Diana Lodderhose, Deadline, 2 Sep. 2026
  • His words were interpreted as a kind of political and moral mission spurred by his son’s death.
    — Amos Harel, Foreign Affairs, 2 Sep. 2026
Definition of moral
Adjective
  • In neither case, by today's standards, were the operations fair or ethical on a number of fronts.
    — Space.com Staff, Space.com, 5 Sep. 2026
  • As these tasks fell outside the scope of the employees' official duties, the directive amounted to a violation of ethical standards, the report concluded.
    — Andrea Hsu, NPR, 4 Sep. 2026
Definition of ethical
Adjective
  • Liu pointed to China’s 2025 Global AI Governance Action Plan, which calls for accelerating construction of clean power, next-generation networks, computing capacity and data centers.
    — Efrat Lachter, FOXNews.com, 4 Sep. 2026
  • Yet the compounds that give lemon, pine, thyme, and lavender their scents aren’t produced by plants to make nature smell clean.
    — Mike McRae September 03, New Atlas, 4 Sep. 2026
Definition of clean
Adjective
  • As the stock approaches fair value and its potential gains become more limited, the investor could sell more calls to collect additional income.
    — Lee Ying Shan, CNBC, 1 Sep. 2026
  • But some Venezuelans are questioning if the deal's terms are fair.
    — Julia Simon, NPR, 31 Aug. 2026
Definition of fair

Phrases Containing legal

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legacy
legal
legal eagle
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Cite this Entry

“Legal.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/legal. Accessed 6 Sep. 2026.

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