rightful

[rahyt-fuhl] / ˈraɪt fəl /

ADJECTIVE

legitimate

Synonyms

STRONGEST

deserved lawful proper

WEAK

24-carat applicable appropriate apt authorized befitting bona fide canonical card-carrying condign due ethical fair fit fitting holding water honest just kosher legal legit merited moral moralistic noble official on the level on the up and up orthodox permitted principled real requisite right right-minded suitable true valid virtuous

Antonyms

WEAK

illegal illegitimate incorrect wrongful

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.

You’re not returning each object to its rightful home like a dutiful museum docent.

From Salon • May 5, 2026

In 2012 his elder brother – Lee Jae-yong's uncle - launched a bid to reclaim what he saw as his rightful inheritance.

From BBC • Apr. 29, 2026

Hughes is happy “his” puck surfaced but believes he is the rightful owner of a piece of memorabilia that David Kohler, president of SCP Auctions, estimated might be worth $1 million.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 18, 2026

It draws on core Shiite themes of martyrdom and resistance, reinforcing the image of the younger Khamenei as the rightful successor to lead the Islamic Republic.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 9, 2026

He is the rightful owner of the space but was persuaded to let me hang out for an hour or two for a price of my one dollar.

From "Water for Elephants" by Sara Gruen

rightful

Example Sentences

Related Words