law-abiding
adjective
law-abid·ing
ˈlȯ-ə-ˌbī-diŋ 
: abiding by or obedient to the law
law-abiding citizens
law-abidingness
noun
Synonyms
Examples of law-abiding in a Sentence
the law-abiding citizens of the neighborhood did everything they could to help reduce street crime
Recent Examples on the Web
East Hampton Village Mayor Jerry Larsen told community members at a public meeting that law-abiding migrants should still call police to report any crimes or emergencies without fearing deportation.
—
Michael Ruiz, Fox News, 8 Feb. 2025
In this case, Shanks was put on probation for a year and must remain law-abiding and not commit the same or similar offenses.
—Alex Malm, Twin Cities, 7 Feb. 2025
Since the percentage of such migrants is small, ICE and local officials will soon be dragging up and out those who are law-abiding, along with their families.
—Paul Bedard, Washington Examiner - Political News and Conservative Analysis About Congress, the President, and the Federal Government, 1 Feb. 2025
While the Trump administration has touted the crackdown as targeting criminals, there has been concern over law-abiding migrants and those with permits also being rounded up.
—Marlene Lenthang, NBC News, 29 Jan. 2025
See all Example Sentences for law-abiding 
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Michael Ruiz, Fox News, 8 Feb. 2025
In this case, Shanks was put on probation for a year and must remain law-abiding and not commit the same or similar offenses.
—Alex Malm, Twin Cities, 7 Feb. 2025
Since the percentage of such migrants is small, ICE and local officials will soon be dragging up and out those who are law-abiding, along with their families.
—Paul Bedard, Washington Examiner - Political News and Conservative Analysis About Congress, the President, and the Federal Government, 1 Feb. 2025
While the Trump administration has touted the crackdown as targeting criminals, there has been concern over law-abiding migrants and those with permits also being rounded up.
—Marlene Lenthang, NBC News, 29 Jan. 2025
See all Example Sentences for law-abiding
Dictionary Entries Near law-abiding
Cite this Entry
“Law-abiding.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/law-abiding. Accessed 16 Feb. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share