lawful

adjective

law·​ful ˈlȯ-fəl How to pronounce lawful (audio)
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
lawfully adverb
lawfulness noun
Choose the Right Synonym for lawful

lawful, legal, legitimate, licit mean being in accordance with law.

lawful may apply to conformity with law of any sort (such as natural, divine, common, or canon).

the lawful sovereign

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

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

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

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
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.
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

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of lawful was in the 14th century

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Cite this Entry

“Lawful.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/lawful. Accessed 22 Mar. 2025.

Kids Definition

lawful

adjective
law·​ful ˈlȯ-fəl How to pronounce lawful (audio)
1
: permitted by law
lawful conduct
2
: recognized by law : rightful
the lawful owner
lawfully adverb
lawfulness noun

Legal Definition

lawful

adjective
law·​ful
1
a
: being in harmony with the law
a lawful judgment
a lawful purpose
b
: constituted, authorized, or established by law
a lawful duty
2
: law-abiding
lawful citizens
lawfully adverb
lawfulness noun

More from Merriam-Webster on lawful

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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