LAWFUL Synonyms: 47 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: How is the word 'lawful' different from other adjectives like it?

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 lawful sovereign

Q: When would 'legal' be a good substitute for 'lawful'?

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. // legal residents of the state

Q: In what contexts can 'legitimate' take the place of 'lawful'?

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. // a perfectly legitimate question about taxes

Q: Where would 'licit' be a reasonable alternative to 'lawful'?

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. // the licit use of drugs by doctors

lawful

adjective

ˈlȯ-fəl

Definition of lawful next

as in legitimate

permitted by law hunting is a lawful activity only if you have the proper license

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

How is the word lawful different from other adjectives like it?

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 lawful sovereign

When would legal be a good substitute for lawful?

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.

legal residents of the state

In what contexts can legitimate take the place of lawful?

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.

a perfectly legitimate question about taxes

Where would licit be a reasonable alternative to lawful?

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.

the licit use of drugs by doctors

Example Sentences

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.

Recent Examples of lawful As a condition of receiving the Prize, each potential winner will be required to complete and return a Promotions Release and Affidavit, which includes confirmation of eligibility, a liability release, and, where lawful, a publicity release. —

AJC.com, 30 June 2026 Words appearing frequently in the Executive Order— ‘mother,’ ‘father,’ ‘lawful,’ ‘temporary’— are absent from the Clause. —

Syra Ortiz Blanes, Miami Herald, 30 June 2026 The ordinance includes exemptions for religious practices, medical needs, workplace safety, cultural activities and other lawful uses, according to city officials. —

Bay City News, Mercury News, 27 June 2026 This allows officers to strip green-card holders’ lawful immigration status without the degree of proof required by federal law—and, perhaps, without any meaningful proof at all. —

Leah Litman, The Atlantic, 26 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for lawful

Recent Examples of Synonyms for lawful

Adjective

Both men argue Los Angeles should consider creating a dedicated anti-squatter task force to help law enforcement distinguish legitimate tenant disputes from cases involving criminal conduct.

— Stepheny Price, FOXNews.com, 5 July 2026
Schlittler, meanwhile, has a legitimate case to start for the American League, which will be managed by rival Blue Jays skipper John Schneider.

— Gary Phillips, New York Daily News, 5 July 2026

Definition of legitimate

Adjective

Months of legal jostling leading up to the hearing centered largely on media access.

— ABC News, ABC News, 5 July 2026
Lawyers remained advocates for private clients, but Wilson increasingly described them as participants in preserving the legal order upon which republican government depended.

— Joseph Andrew, Forbes.com, 4 July 2026