RIGHTLY Synonyms: 36 Similar and Opposite Words

rightly

adverb

ˈrīt-lē

Definition of rightly

as in properly

in a manner suitable for the occasion or purpose marveling at the awesome sight, we had to agree that the Grand Canyon was rightly named

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 rightly Unlike Dolly Parton, who is rightly being mourned as a great American, Curry was far less a public person. — Tom Nichols, The Atlantic, 26 Aug. 2026 Federal Reserve Chair Kevin Warsh and others have rightly emphasized that AI could raise productivity and productive capacity even as the investment boom puts pressure on resources before those benefits arrive. — Joao Gomes, Fortune, 25 Aug. 2026 The defense is still strong, but the focus is rightly on the future and the real goal should be a top-three draft pick. — The Athletic Nfl Staff, New York Times, 25 Aug. 2026 America’s housing crisis has been rightly blamed on a lack of supply. — Valerie White, Washington Post, 24 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for rightly

Recent Examples of Synonyms for rightly

Adverb

Mattia Sala, the product manager for SMEG USA, agrees that silverware handles should always point downward, but adds that silverware should be properly spaced out within a dishwasher’s silverware caddy.

— Claire Hoppe Norgaard, Better Homes & Gardens, 4 Sep. 2026
Having a healthy lawn means managing soil conditions for the roots, mowing properly, and strengthening the density of the grass by overseeding.

— Mary Marlowe Leverette, The Spruce, 4 Sep. 2026

Definition of properly

Adverb

Training begins with a small smoke test to make sure the robot, environment, cameras, and control system work together correctly.

— Jijo Malayil, Interesting Engineering, 27 Aug. 2026
In simpler terms, a part of your paycheck subsidizes a boomer’s benefits—and according to the Cato Institute’s 2025 polling, only 45% of Americans correctly understand how the program works.

— Joshua Hong, Fortune, 27 Aug. 2026

Definition of correctly

Adverb

Here's why even more are ahead To be as comfortable as possible, dress appropriately for the weather, use bug spray and bring a blanket, a sleeping bag, or a reclining chair to lie on.

— Julia Gomez, USA Today, 27 Aug. 2026
In a letter to ICE's acting director Thursday, Cortez Masto and 15 of her colleagues in the Democratic caucus questioned ICE's need to spend up to $20 million to buy the devices, as well as the agency's ability to use them appropriately.

— ABC News, ABC News, 27 Aug. 2026

Definition of appropriately

Browse Nearby Words

rightists

rightly

right-minded

See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

Style

“Rightly.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/rightly. Accessed 5 Sep. 2026.

Copy Citation

Synonyms of rightly

adverb

Example Sentences

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

More from Merriam-Webster

Word of the Day

matriculate

Popular in Grammar & Usage

A Who’s Who Regarding ‘Who’s’ and ‘Whose’

A List of Most Commonly Confused Words

Why do we use apostrophes to show possession?

Is it 'nerve-racking' or 'nerve-wracking'?

What's the difference between 'fascism' and 'socialism'?

Popular in Wordplay

The Longest Long Words List

Stay Woke

Ye Olde Nincompoop: Old-Fashioned Words for 'Stupid'

14 Phobias You Probably Haven't Heard Of

The Words of the Week - Sept. 4

Popular

A Who’s Who Regarding ‘Who’s’ and ‘Whose’

The Longest Long Words List

Stay Woke

Games & Quizzes