LEGALLY Synonyms: 16 Similar and Opposite Words

legally

adverb

ˈlē-gə-lē

Definition of legally

as in ethically

according to the rules or the law that's not a move that can be made legally in chess

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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 legally Six states were responsible for the 31 executions in 2026 — even though 27 states still legally allow the most severe form of punishment in this country. — Nate Perez, NPR, 16 Oct. 2026 Whether drivers will ever legally hover over morning traffic jams remains an open question. — Mrigakshi Dixit, Interesting Engineering, 16 Oct. 2026 Javier Herbello, and Officer Dorian Acosta were legally justified in using deadly force in connection with the June 14, 2025, incident. — Ana Maria Soler, CBS News, 16 Oct. 2026 Since 2019, children between the ages of 6 and 16 are legally required to attend school, which means fewer hands to tend the herds. — Jen Murphy, Condé Nast Traveler, 15 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for legally

Recent Examples of Synonyms for legally

Adverb

On top of eco-friendly and sustainable, Hall also shops for products that are ethically sourced, second-hand and local whenever possible.

— Beret Leone, CBS News, 13 Oct. 2026
Awards continue to be given out to those who hold their ground and choose the ethically right decision to make.

— Eric Sondheimer, Los Angeles Times, 5 Oct. 2026

Definition of ethically

Adverb

Set in modern-day Buffalo, Don’t Go Gentle follows Tanya Jenkins, a mother and Army medic who was honorably discharged.

— Stewart Clarke, Deadline, 24 Sep. 2026
Nash was honorably discharged from the Air Force in 2016 and worked as a contractor overseas, teaching pilots to fly F-15.

— Melinda Moore, Chicago Tribune, 11 Sep. 2026

Definition of honorably

Adverb

The Giants scored both of their runs with two outs in the fourth on Whitcomb’s pop-fly single that fell just fair near the right-field line.

— ABC News, ABC News, 23 Sep. 2026
Climate was top of the agenda at Première Vision Paris as the global textiles fair took place in the still-sweltering 27-degree Centigrade (about 80 degrees Fahrenheit) heat following a summer marred by record heat across Europe.

— Ellen Groves, Footwear News, 10 Sep. 2026

Definition of fair

Adverb

Before things kicked off, a chant devoted to keeping the earth clean echoed at the beach.

— Shardaa Gray, CBS News, 22 Apr. 2026
That's especially proven in season 2, when — after coming clean to her team about holding Sir captive — Gabi's closest allies turn their backs on her.

— Dave Quinn, People.com, 10 Oct. 2024