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Definitions

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.

Airport employees were quickly on-hand to return the animal to its rightful place in the great outdoors.

From Barron's • Mar. 19, 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

Or maybe you worry that if the attorney exploits your relative and leaves them destitute, the rightful heirs will inherit little.

From MarketWatch • Mar. 3, 2026

Because he is your rightful king, Davos thought.

From "A Dance with Dragons" by George R. R. Martin

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