1
a
: being in harmony with the law
a lawful judgment
b
: constituted, authorized, or established by law : rightful
lawful institutions
2
: law-abiding
lawful citizens
Examples of lawful in a Sentence
a lawful search of the property
hunting is a lawful activity only if you have the proper license
Recent Examples on the Web
The Trump administration’s attempt to deport a lawful permanent resident protest leader may raise significant First Amendment issues.
—
Stuart Anderson, Forbes, 11 Mar. 2025
Under California Corporations Code, members have a right to call for a special meeting by way of petition for any lawful purpose.
—Karen Billing, San Diego Union-Tribune, 10 Mar. 2025
Blockades, which are a lawful military tactic in the course of war, are regulated by international humanitarian law, but are not prohibited by it, as long as it is not used to intentionally starve the local civilian population.
—William Lambers, Newsweek, 10 Mar. 2025
The indictment alleged Cardona operated Delta Global Solutions Inc., which assisted individuals in applying for asylum, immigrant visas, lawful permanent residence cards and other immigration benefits.
—Jason Meisner, Chicago Tribune, 10 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for lawful
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Stuart Anderson, Forbes, 11 Mar. 2025
Under California Corporations Code, members have a right to call for a special meeting by way of petition for any lawful purpose.
—Karen Billing, San Diego Union-Tribune, 10 Mar. 2025
Blockades, which are a lawful military tactic in the course of war, are regulated by international humanitarian law, but are not prohibited by it, as long as it is not used to intentionally starve the local civilian population.
—William Lambers, Newsweek, 10 Mar. 2025
The indictment alleged Cardona operated Delta Global Solutions Inc., which assisted individuals in applying for asylum, immigrant visas, lawful permanent residence cards and other immigration benefits.
—Jason Meisner, Chicago Tribune, 10 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for lawful
Cite this Entry
“Lawful.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/lawful. Accessed 22 Mar. 2025.
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