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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
Robinson complained that law-abiding people were being made to suffer because of the actions of one person.
—Peter Slevin, The New Yorker, 25 Sep. 2024
The grim reality is that law-abiding citizens are often victimized by criminal activities through trafficking and extortion.
—Expert Panel®, Forbes, 24 Sep. 2024
In the series, the corrupt outnumber the good as criminals run rampant and law-abiding citizens live in a constant state of fear in Gotham City.
—Denise Petski, Deadline, 26 June 2024
Back when Republicans were less doctrinaire, few objected to Ronald Reagan’s legalization through legislation on the status of otherwise law-abiding immigrants who crossed illegally or overstayed.
—Letters To The Editor, Orlando Sentinel, 7 Aug. 2024
See all Example Sentences for law-abiding
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'law-abiding.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Word History
First Known Use
1834, in the meaning defined above
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 5 Oct. 2024.
Kids Definition
law-abiding
adjective
law-abid·ing
ˈlȯ-ə-ˌbīd-iŋ
: obedient to the law
Legal Definition
law-abiding
adjective
law-abid·ing
ˈlȯ-ə-ˈbī-diŋ
: abiding by or obedient to the law
law-abidingness
noun
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