lawful
adjective
Synonyms
- legal
- legit [slang]
- legitimate
- licit
Example Sentences
Molly Beck, Journal Sentinel, 27 Aug. 2022 When the allegations first surfaced last week, a government spokesman said the surveillance had been approved by a prosecutor and was lawful. Fox News, 10 Aug. 2022 Their legal argument focuses on the common-law right of habeas corpus, which is typically used to determine whether a person’s detention is lawful. Marisa Iati, Washington Post, 18 May 2022 His possession of them is entirely consistent with that right, and therefore lawful, regardless of the statutes the FBI cites in its warrant. David B. Rivkin Jr. And Lee A. Casey, WSJ, 22 Aug. 2022 Prosecutor Khalil Quinan, in a response, wrote that Prieto himself has given numerous statements to the press while trying to limit lawful public records disclosures to the press. David Ovalle, Orlando Sentinel, 19 Aug. 2022 There are no vaccination requirements for returning United States citizens and lawful residents. Geoff Whitmore, Forbes, 2 Aug. 2022 The program gives eligible U.S. citizens and lawful permanent residents the ability to apply for parole for family members in Haiti. New York Times, 11 June 2022 Travelers who are not U.S. citizens, U.S. nationals, lawful permanent residents or traveling to the United States on an immigrant visa must still show proof of vaccination before boarding their flight. Arkansas Online, 11 June 2022 See More Word History
14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a
Kids Definition
lawful
adjective
Legal Definition
lawful
adjective
lawful
adjective
Synonyms & Similar Words
- legitimate
- legal
- justifiable
- authorized
- regulation
- licit
- permissible
- legit
- allowable
- constitutional
- good
- proper
- statutory
- noncriminal
- right
- warrantable
- innocent
- just
- de jure
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
- unlawful
- illegal
- wrongful
- illegitimate
- illicit
- evil
- criminal
- lawless
- immoral
- wrong
- wicked
- prohibited
- sinful
- unauthorized
- unjust
- bad
- forbidden
- iniquitous
- guilty
- impermissible
- outlawed
- unconstitutional
- corrupt
- reprobate
- banned
- nonconstitutional
- under-the-table
- under-the-counter
Synonym Chooser
Some common synonyms of lawful are legal, legitimate, and licit. While all these words mean "being in accordance with law," lawful may apply to conformity with law of any sort (such as natural, divine, common, or canon).
The meanings of legal and lawful largely overlap; however, legal applies to what is sanctioned by law or in conformity with the law, especially as it is written or administered by the courts.
The words legitimate and lawful can be used in similar contexts, but 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.
While in some cases nearly identical to lawful, licit applies to a strict conformity to the provisions of the law and applies especially to what is regulated by law.