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
Congress should pursue a balanced, humane approach, strengthening border security and infrastructure while fixing a broken immigration system, modernizing asylum processing, and creating lawful pathways that reflect both our economic needs and national values.
—
Rachel Royster, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 14 Feb. 2026
Godfrey Wade immigrated legally to the United States as a minor and lived in metro Atlanta for decades as a green card holder, or lawful permanent resident.
—Lautaro Grinspan, AJC.com, 14 Feb. 2026
The plans would also permit state and local police to detain truckers who can't immediately prove their lawful status, and stop offering drivers' license tests in any language but English.
—Trevor Hughes, USA Today, 14 Feb. 2026
Judges have a duty to uphold statutes designed to protect victims, to respect the lawful role of law enforcement, and to ensure that criminal conduct is addressed through the rule of law — not excused, minimized, or politicized.
—Charlotte Observer, 13 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for lawful
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Rachel Royster, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 14 Feb. 2026
Godfrey Wade immigrated legally to the United States as a minor and lived in metro Atlanta for decades as a green card holder, or lawful permanent resident.
—Lautaro Grinspan, AJC.com, 14 Feb. 2026
The plans would also permit state and local police to detain truckers who can't immediately prove their lawful status, and stop offering drivers' license tests in any language but English.
—Trevor Hughes, USA Today, 14 Feb. 2026
Judges have a duty to uphold statutes designed to protect victims, to respect the lawful role of law enforcement, and to ensure that criminal conduct is addressed through the rule of law — not excused, minimized, or politicized.
—Charlotte Observer, 13 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for lawful
Cite this Entry
“Lawful.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/lawful. Accessed 17 Feb. 2026.
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