as in properly
in a manner suitable for the occasion or purpose
marveling at the awesome sight, we had to agree that the Grand Canyon was rightly named
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Recent Examples of rightly
All of those descriptors are apt and rightly made it into the many obituaries published following his death on May 6, but Turner’s legacy is not just of a media mogul who created cable news or birthed several other iconic channels.
—
Josef Adalian, Vulture, 7 May 2026
The president rightly believes that a lower borrowing cost would give the economy — and his political standing — a boost.
—ABC News, 6 May 2026
In terms of skippers, our Frank Selee might rightly be considered more philosopher than a pugilist.
—Tyler Estep, AJC.com, 6 May 2026
Derry was rightly rewarded for his fine form for the under-21s with his first Premier League start, having made his debut as a substitute against Hull City in the FA Cup in February.
—Simon Johnson, New York Times, 4 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for rightly
Josef Adalian, Vulture, 7 May 2026
The president rightly believes that a lower borrowing cost would give the economy — and his political standing — a boost.
—ABC News, 6 May 2026
In terms of skippers, our Frank Selee might rightly be considered more philosopher than a pugilist.
—Tyler Estep, AJC.com, 6 May 2026
Derry was rightly rewarded for his fine form for the under-21s with his first Premier League start, having made his debut as a substitute against Hull City in the FA Cup in February.
—Simon Johnson, New York Times, 4 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for rightly
Recent Examples of Synonyms for rightly
Adverb
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Slices of cold roast beef, beautiful and rare, come attended by a snowy blob of properly sinus-clearing horseradish cream, with a pickled black walnut on top like the cherry on a sundae and a crumbly wedge of cheddar.—
Helen Rosner,
New Yorker,
17 May 2026
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Slot is a good communicator who tries to properly answer every question, slipping in the occasional attempt at humour.—
Carl Anka,
New York Times,
17 May 2026
Adverb
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Critics argue the chemicals build up in the environment and human body over time, while supporters say modern nonstick pans are safe when used correctly.—
Ryan Brennan,
Sacbee.com,
20 May 2026
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She was sentenced — correctly — for interfering in an election in her county and for allowing unauthorized access to the voting equipment, not for expressing her personal opinion.—
DP Opinion,
Denver Post,
20 May 2026
Adverb
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Mnuchin was also known for his collaborations with the equally iconic Willem de Kooning who was appropriately represented at this most recent auction.—
News Desk,
Artforum,
18 May 2026
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Gijon believes in being age-appropriately honest with her students, explaining that some days can be more challenging than others and reminding them that teachers are human too.—
Jordan Greene,
PEOPLE,
15 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Rightly.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/rightly. Accessed 22 May. 2026.
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