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.

“The purpose is to curb attempts at remilitarization and nuclear ambitions, and the measures are entirely legitimate, reasonable and lawful,” a spokesman for the ministry said.

From The Wall Street Journal

Himes said he believes the opinion will call the operation lawful “because it was assisting a law enforcement action.”

From The Wall Street Journal

A spokesperson for the Commissioner's Office of the Chinese Foreign Ministry in Hong Kong stated earlier this month that Lai's "lawful rights and interests have been fully protected, and he is in good health".

From BBC

China’s Foreign Ministry says its activities in the Arctic are reasonable and lawful, “contributing to the maintenance and promotion of peace, stability, and sustainable development in the region.”

From The Wall Street Journal

These were not lawful acts of war or legitimate law enforcement.

From Salon

lawful

Example Sentences

Related Words