Definitions

lawful

[law-fuhl] / ˈlɔ fəl /

ADJECTIVE

allowable, legitimate

Synonyms

STRONGEST

authorized constitutional justifiable legal permissible proper rightful statutory valid

WEAK

bona fide canonical card-carrying commanded condign decreed due enacted enforced enjoined established innocent judged judicial jural juridical jurisprudent just kosher legalized legislated legit legitimatized licit mandated of right official on the level on the up and up ordained ordered passed protected ruled vested warrantable warranted

Antonyms

STRONGEST

illegal illegitimate incorrect unacceptable wrong

WEAK

illicit prohibited taboo unlawful

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

“Due to those actions and Zacharia Branch’s failure to comply with multiple verbal lawful commands, he was placed under arrest for misdemeanor Obstruction of LEO and received a citation for Obstructing Public Sidewalks.”

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 20, 2026

Behind the wheel of her Kia, she began following them; Ringstrom insists her driving was safe and lawful.

From Salon • Apr. 15, 2026

“Compliance with a lawful order of a court is not optional; it is required in a democracy committed to the rule of law.”

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 10, 2026

"China will continue to take what is necessary to firmly defend Chinese citizens' legitimate and lawful rights and interests," she said.

From BBC • Apr. 8, 2026

“Bear Island knows no king but the King in the North, whose name is STARK. A girl of ten, you say, and she presumes to scold her lawful king.”

From "A Dance with Dragons" by George R. R. Martin

Vocabulary lists containing lawful

A Just Cause: Synonyms for "Fair"

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Ten Words related to Citizenship

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You Are Correct! Synonyms for "Right"

Want to remember this word for good? Start your learning journey today with our library of interactive, themed word lists built by the experts at Vocabulary.com – we'll help you make the most of your study time!