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.
In 2022, the Electoral Count Reform Act, passed with bipartisan support, strengthened the original act by creating a system of judicial oversight, where courts have the final say on the lawful counting of votes and determination of a slate of electors. Jenna Bednar, Foreign Affairs, 5 Nov. 2024 MCCs, seemingly introduced for regulatory or monitoring purposes, carry significant implications for the privacy of consumers and equitable treatment of lawful transactions. Thomas G. Moukawsher, Newsweek, 4 Nov. 2024 The team might cite performance reviews and other aspects of Shelton’s employment file that suggest his departure was lawful and reasonable. Michael McCann, Sportico.com, 27 Oct. 2024 The $50 million for schools is frozen with the committee in retaliation against Evers' decision to veto other parts of the bill pertaining to the process for distributing the money, which the Dane County Circuit Court ruled was lawful after Republicans mounted legal challenges. Claudia Levens, Journal Sentinel, 16 Oct. 2024 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

Dictionary Entries Near lawful

Cite this Entry

“Lawful.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/lawful. Accessed 25 Nov. 2024.

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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