lawful

adjective

law·​ful ˈlȯ-fəl 

1

a

: being in harmony with the law

a lawful judgment

b

: constituted, authorized, or established by law : rightful

lawful institutions

2

: law-abiding

lawful citizens

lawfully

ˈlȯ-f(ə-)lē 

adverb

lawfulness

ˈlȯ-fəl-nəs 

noun

Synonyms

• legal
• legit [slang]
• legitimate
• licit

Choose the Right Synonym for lawful

lawful, legal, legitimate, licit mean being in accordance with law.

lawful may apply to conformity with law of any sort (such as natural, divine, common, or canon).

the lawful sovereign

legal applies to what is sanctioned by law or in conformity with the law, especially as it is written or administered by the courts.

legal residents of the state

legitimate may apply to a legal right or status but also, in extended use, to a right or status supported by tradition, custom, or accepted standards.

a perfectly legitimate question about taxes

licit applies to a strict conformity to the provisions of the law and applies especially to what is regulated by law.

the licit use of drugs by doctors

Examples of lawful in a Sentence

a lawful search of the property

hunting is a lawful activity only if you have the proper license

Recent Examples on the Web

Courts must first verify that any site-blocking order does not interfere with access to lawful material before issuing an order. —Jill Goldsmith, Deadline, 29 Jan. 2025

This applies to children born to mothers who were lawful, temporary residents and fathers who were not citizens or lawful permanent residents. —Avery Lotz, Axios, 28 Jan. 2025

The message, which was accompanied by a picture of a handwritten note on paper with Secretary of Defense letterhead, said: The President's guidance (lawful orders) is clear: No more DEI at [Department of Defense]. —Joel Thayer, Newsweek, 26 Jan. 2025

Everyone agrees that birthright citizenship doesn’t apply to the children of lawful combatants. —Michael Hiltzik, Los Angeles Times, 24 Jan. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Kids Definition

lawful

adjective

law·​ful ˈlȯ-fəl 

1

: permitted by law

lawful conduct

2

: recognized by law : rightful

the lawful owner

lawfully

-f(ə-)lē 

adverb

lawfulness

-fəl-nəs 

noun

Legal Definition

lawful

adjective

law·​ful

1

a

: being in harmony with the law

a lawful judgment

a lawful purpose

b

: constituted, authorized, or established by law

a lawful duty

2

: law-abiding

lawful citizens

lawfully adverb

lawfulness noun