Thesaurus.com
Dictionary.com
Definitions

legal

[lee-guhl] / ˈli gəl /
ADJECTIVE
allowable, permissible
Synonyms
STRONGEST
constitutional contractual fair juridical lawful legitimate proper statutory valid
WEAK
acknowledged allowed authorized card-carrying chartered clean condign decreed due enforceable enforced enjoined forensic granted innocent judged judicial just justifiable justified legalized legit licit on the level on the up and up ordained passed precedented prescribed protected right rightful sanctioned sound straight sure-enough warranted within the law
Antonyms
STRONGEST
illegal illegitimate invalid unacceptable unlawful
WEAK
illicit wrong

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.

Meta Platforms and Google-parent Alphabet have suffered a courtroom loss that could expose technology companies to a wave of future legal complaints.

From Barron's • Apr. 2, 2026

Williams Jr.’s legal representation did not respond to a request for comment on Thursday.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 2, 2026

The name change is required because Brussels is relaxing its labelling rules, widening the legal definition of marmalade across Europe for the first time.

From BBC • Apr. 2, 2026

The judge’s order slims down the scope of the celebrities’ legal battle in a saga of public mudslinging that has gripped Hollywood since the hit film’s release almost two years ago.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 2, 2026

Besides the practical value of someone to cook and clean, owning servants was a status symbol an ambitious young attorney needed to impress neighbors and legal clients.

From "In the Shadow of Liberty" by Kenneth C. Davis

From Roget's 21st Century Thesaurus, Third Edition Copyright © 2013 by the Philip Lief Group.