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.

“There are lawful ways to express concerns, but failing to meet tax obligations can lead to significant legal and financial consequences.”

From MarketWatch • Apr. 6, 2026

Soleimani Afshar and Hosseiny had their lawful permanent resident status in the United States revoked, Rubio said.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 4, 2026

“Ultimately, such objects may or may not be lawful targets but that must be based on the circumstances related to the military operation and civilian considerations for each object,” Corn said.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 4, 2026

Woods, who was also charged with property damage and refusal to submit to a lawful test, submitted a written plea of not guilty via his lawyers on Tuesday.

From BBC • Apr. 1, 2026

“I, Caroline Azile, take this man to be my lawful wedded husband.”

From "Krik? Krak!" by Edwidge Danticat

lawful

Example Sentences

Related Words