LEGAL Synonyms: 69 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: How is the word 'legal' different from other adjectives like it?

Some common synonyms of legal are lawful , legitimate , and licit . While all these words mean "being in accordance with law," 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

Q: When can 'lawful' be used instead of 'legal'?

The meanings of lawful and legal largely overlap; however, lawful may apply to conformity with law of any sort (such as natural, divine, common, or canon). // the lawful sovereign

Q: Where would 'legitimate' be a reasonable alternative to 'legal'?

In some situations, the words legitimate and legal are roughly equivalent. However, 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

Q: When would 'licit' be a good substitute for 'legal'?

The words licit and legal can be used in similar contexts, but 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

legal

adjective

ˈlē-gəl

Definition of legal next

as in legitimate

permitted by law the congressman's fund-raising efforts, though arguably unethical, were determined to be legal

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in moral

following or according to the rules the referee declared it a legal play

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

How is the word legal different from other adjectives like it?

Some common synonyms of legal are lawful, legitimate, and licit. While all these words mean "being in accordance with law," 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

When can lawful be used instead of legal?

The meanings of lawful and legal largely overlap; however, lawful may apply to conformity with law of any sort (such as natural, divine, common, or canon).

the lawful sovereign

Where would legitimate be a reasonable alternative to legal?

In some situations, the words legitimate and legal are roughly equivalent. However, 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

When would licit be a good substitute for legal?

The words licit and legal can be used in similar contexts, but 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 Sentences

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.

Recent Examples of legal Among the speakers were Tessa Lemos Del Pino, executive director of Tennessee Justice for our Neighbors, which provides legal services for immigrants and refugees. —

David Plazas, The Tennessean, 20 Dec. 2024 The union also wants the company to resolve outstanding legal issues, including hundreds of unfair labor practice charges that workers have filed with the National Labor Relations Board. —

CBS News, 20 Dec. 2024 Ryan Dischinger, a public defender assigned to the woman’s legal case, told LPM that the woman and her newborn son are healthy and currently living in a shelter — without assistance from the police department, who took credit for the woman’s safety when reached by PEOPLE for comment this week. —

Sean Neumann, People.com, 20 Dec. 2024 Disclaimer and Disclosure The information provided in this article is for general informational purposes only and should not be construed as financial, investment, legal, or other advice. —

Chris Gallagher, USA TODAY, 10 Dec. 2024 See all Example Sentences for legal

Recent Examples of Synonyms for legal

Adjective

Games where there needs to be a legitimate response and pushback. After being embarrassed 5-1 by the Boston Bruins on Saturday night — one of several lacklustre showings at Rogers Arena this season — the Vancouver Canucks had to show up with a strong effort against the Colorado Avalanche.

Harman Dayal, The Athletic, 17 Dec. 2024
This process guarantees that all advertisements are from legitimate, reliable companies only.

Michael Fox, Forbes, 17 Dec. 2024