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 DeSantis’ legal counsel had expected the high court would rule that race in redistricting is always improper. Romy Ellenbogen, Miami Herald, 29 Apr. 2026 In a board meeting, Comer later found that no progress had been made on the task force’s action items on determining the accounting and legal realities of the reclassification. Brian Boucher, ARTnews.com, 29 Apr. 2026 Just 165 people have paid the application fee so far, the government said in a new legal filing. Meryl Kornfield, Washington Post, 29 Apr. 2026 However, the legal matter does not appear to be closed altogether. Matt Egan, CNN Money, 29 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for legal
Recent Examples of Synonyms for legal
Adjective
  • While living in Dubai, Kinahan presented himself as a legitimate boxing promoter.
    Ed Caesar, New Yorker, 30 Apr. 2026
  • As noted, city marshals, deputy sheriffs, the NYPD and a legitimate judicial order of eviction were involved.
    Voice of the People, New York Daily News, 29 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • The book resists tidy moral conclusions.
    Andrew Silow-Carroll, Sun Sentinel, 28 Apr. 2026
  • Very little offends me in a moral sense in the theater, but parts of this script came close.
    Chris Jones, Chicago Tribune, 27 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • Engineers mustn’t forget their responsibility in creating responsible and ethical AI.
    Christopher McFadden, Interesting Engineering, 29 Apr. 2026
  • Skills such as judgment, creativity, communication, and ethical reasoning will become even more important as information is easier to generate.
    Bruce Broussard, Fortune, 29 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • Off the coast of Rhode IslandAP — Offshore wind turbines roughly three times the height of the Statue of Liberty were spinning far off the coast of Rhode Island on Thursday, sending clean electricity to the region.
    Jennifer McDermott, CNN Money, 29 Apr. 2026
  • The kitchen and dining areas are clean and minimal, anchored by stone and warm wood, while the rest of the interiors stick to a neutral palette.
    Abby Montanez, Robb Report, 29 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • Mercury moves through your 2nd House of Values, bringing attention to what feels fair, sustainable, and worth your energy.
    Tarot.com, New York Daily News, 1 May 2026
  • February 19 – March 20 Clarity today comes from being honest about what feels fair and manageable.
    Tarot.com, Sun Sentinel, 30 Apr. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Legal.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/legal. Accessed 1 May. 2026.

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