Definition of legalnext

Synonym Chooser

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

Some common synonyms of legal are lawful, legitimate, and licit. While all these words mean "being in accordance with law," 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

When can lawful be used instead of legal?

The meanings of lawful and legal largely overlap; however, lawful may apply to conformity with law of any sort (such as natural, divine, common, or canon).

the lawful sovereign

Where would legitimate be a reasonable alternative to legal?

In some situations, the words legitimate and legal are roughly equivalent. However, 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

When would licit be a good substitute for legal?

The words licit and legal can be used in similar contexts, but 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 legal Street-legal e-bikes can reach up to 28 mph — far faster than an average pedestrian, who walks at about 3 mph. Alissa Gary, Miami Herald, 11 Mar. 2026 The long-in-the-works film centers on the 2009 murder of an Argentine Indigenous leader, and the legal battles among his community members that followed. Ryan Lattanzio, IndieWire, 11 Mar. 2026 Coordination is essential for both legal integrity and deal stability. Ascend Agency, New York Daily News, 11 Mar. 2026 But officers first need to establish that the person is likely in the country without legal status and is likely to flee. Seth Klamann, Denver Post, 11 Mar. 2026 See All Example Sentences for legal
Recent Examples of Synonyms for legal
Adjective
  • In the legitimate British pub downstairs, the team slings out pint after pint of perfectly creamy Guinness, the most on-trend bar order in London right now.
    Sarah Allard, Condé Nast Traveler, 11 Mar. 2026
  • This 4″ Mini 4G Android Smartphone is a palm-sized backup device or travel phone that actually runs a legitimate mobile OS.
    StackCommerce Team, PC Magazine, 11 Mar. 2026
Adjective
  • Readers send Miss Manners not only their table and party questions, but those involving the more complicated aspects of life - romance, work, family relationships, child-rearing, death - as well as philosophical and moral dilemmas.
    Judith Martin, Dallas Morning News, 10 Mar. 2026
  • Each fable encodes an algorithm of behavior, a compressed moral script.
    Jan Steyn, The Dial, 10 Mar. 2026
Adjective
  • Anthropic’s high-profile fight with the Department of Defense over where to draw the lines of ethical AI use in warfare, which culminated in the company suing the Pentagon today, also kicked off late last month in the days leading up to the start of the war.
    Victor Tangermann, Futurism, 12 Mar. 2026
  • Studies show companies that follow a more ethical path are also more profitable.
    Peter Jensen, Baltimore Sun, 12 Mar. 2026
Adjective
  • For every stay booked, Nômade donates $1 to Tulum Sostenible, an organization that aims to help protect the ecosystem, clean trash from the streets and ocean, and promote waste reduction.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 12 Mar. 2026
  • As my colleague Iris Kwok explains, that’s due to the state’s higher taxes and stricter requirements for cleaner, more expensive gas that pollutes.
    Lila Seidman, Los Angeles Times, 12 Mar. 2026
Adjective
  • Shared finances, in particular, could probably use specific conversations about fair splits and future financial moves.
    Tarot.com, Baltimore Sun, 13 Mar. 2026
  • Spurs have tried to sign a fair few high-profile players over the last 12 months, including Eberechi Eze, Antoine Semenyo and Morgan Gibbs-White, but missing out on Andy Robertson in the January transfer window has proven as costly as any other.
    Jay Harris, New York Times, 12 Mar. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Legal.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/legal. Accessed 17 Mar. 2026.

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