Definitions

lawful

[law-fuhl] / ˈlɔ fəl /

ADJECTIVE

allowable, legitimate

Synonyms

STRONGEST

authorized constitutional justifiable legal permissible proper rightful statutory valid

WEAK

bona fide canonical card-carrying commanded condign decreed due enacted enforced enjoined established innocent judged judicial jural juridical jurisprudent just kosher legalized legislated legit legitimatized licit mandated of right official on the level on the up and up ordained ordered passed protected ruled vested warrantable warranted

Antonyms

STRONGEST

illegal illegitimate incorrect unacceptable wrong

WEAK

illicit prohibited taboo unlawful

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

The majority didn’t explain its reasoning, but Kavanaugh wrote a separate 10-page opinion explaining why he thought the stops at issue in the case were lawful under longstanding Supreme Court precedent.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 15, 2026

They received lawful permanent residency in June 2016, Rubio said.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 11, 2026

So he tried again, this time describing his force as the “most professional in the world” and vowing it would “always strike lawful targets.”

From Salon • Apr. 11, 2026

"China will continue to take what is necessary to firmly defend Chinese citizens' legitimate and lawful rights and interests," she said.

From BBC • Apr. 8, 2026

"I am their lawful prince," Theon said stiffly.

From "A Clash of Kings" by George R.R. Martin

Vocabulary lists containing lawful

A Just Cause: Synonyms for "Fair"

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Ten Words related to Citizenship

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You Are Correct! Synonyms for "Right"

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