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 The two were engaged in legal battles for years, but Giuffre finally settled, admitting that she might have been mistaken in identifying Dershowitz as an abuser. Julie K. Brown, Miami Herald, 26 Apr. 2025 Without an entry in the SEVIS database, international students cannot easily adjust or extend their legal status, meaning many of those whose records were terminated would likely soon be forced to leave the country. Adrian Florido, NPR, 25 Apr. 2025 The Supreme Court recently banned race-conscious admissions, for example, and many colleges have moved to end race-specific scholarships after facing legal challenges. Emma Green, New Yorker, 14 Apr. 2025 The showdown is the most significant legal challenge brought against Meta in the company's roughly 20-year history. Jacob Rosen, CBS News, 14 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for legal
Recent Examples of Synonyms for legal
Adjective
  • There must also be a clear distinction between errors made in the course of legitimate military operations and intentionally directing attacks against civilians, which is Hamas' standard practice and a blatant war crime.
    Josh Hammer, MSNBC Newsweek, 22 Apr. 2025
  • Regulators need to document legitimate harm that is caused by these products, and that process can take years.
    Nicholas Florko, The Atlantic, 22 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • Hungary Law Poses Predicament Limbo land: Film and TV makers are facing a moral dilemma in Hungary, which has become a production hotspot thanks to its generous 30% tax rebate that, crucially, pays upfront.
    Jesse Whittock, Deadline, 18 Apr. 2025
  • One of the things that makes Andor stand out, both as a Star Wars show and as a genre show in general, is the many shades of moral gray in it, which keep getting more complex.
    Brian Hiatt, Rolling Stone, 18 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • His relationship evolved from setting firm boundaries to setting ethical guardrails, offering context, and supporting his autonomy with curiosity and love.
    Rebekah Bastian, Forbes.com, 28 Apr. 2025
  • Despite all of that, as the legislature enters the final weeks of its spring session, strengthening the state’s ethical safeguards doesn’t appear to be anywhere near the top of the agenda in Springfield.
    Chicago Tribune, Chicago Tribune, 28 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • Instead, use a clean Q-tip to gently wipe away any excess spray.
    Leah Campano, Seventeen, 3 Feb. 2023
  • Under the auspices of the Sustainable Marblehead Beach Cleaning team, led by Pam Roberts, groups of volunteers clean at least one beach in Marblehead each week, year-round.
    Bette Keva, BostonGlobe.com, 3 Feb. 2023
Adjective
  • Pros Flexible term lengths Rate discounts available Works with borrowers with fair credit Cons Loans may not be available in all states The lender charges origination fees Learn More View More 3.
    Brian Sloan,Dan Avery, CNBC, 19 Apr. 2025
  • The Democrat Party today, and specifically JB Pritzker, does not believe in fair competition.
    Jackson Thompson, FOXNews.com, 19 Apr. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Legal.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/legal. Accessed 3 May. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on legal

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