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 Justice Department has defended the initiative as a lawful settlement mechanism, but federal courts have already paused parts of the program as legal challenges proceed.

From Salon • May 31, 2026

Both men denied the charge and said they had acted in lawful self-defence, or in defence of the other.

From BBC • May 29, 2026

“The resources are in place and we remain committed to pursuing every lawful avenue to ensure the Trump Kennedy Center is restored as a national cultural landmark for all Americans to enjoy,” Davri said.

From Los Angeles Times • May 29, 2026

The company had refused to agree to the Defense Department’s demand to allow its technology to be deployed for “all lawful uses.”

From The Wall Street Journal • May 20, 2026

Noye was a Baratheon man; likely he thought Joffrey the lawful king and Robb a traitor.

From "A Clash of Kings" by George R.R. Martin

Vocabulary lists containing lawful

A Just Cause: Synonyms for "Fair"

Looking to grow your vocabulary? Check out this interactive, curated word list from our team of English language specialists at Vocabulary.com – one of over 17,000 lists we've built to help learners worldwide!

Ten Words related to Citizenship

Interested in learning more words like this one? Our team at Vocabulary.com has got you covered! You can review flashcards, quiz yourself, practice spelling, and more – and it's all completely free to use!

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!