Definitions

lawful

[law-fuhl] / ˈlɔ fəl /

ADJECTIVE

allowable, legitimate

Synonyms

STRONGEST

authorized constitutional justifiable legal permissible proper rightful statutory valid

WEAK

bona fide canonical card-carrying commanded condign decreed due enacted enforced enjoined established innocent judged judicial jural juridical jurisprudent just kosher legalized legislated legit legitimatized licit mandated of right official on the level on the up and up ordained ordered passed protected ruled vested warrantable warranted

Antonyms

STRONGEST

illegal illegitimate incorrect unacceptable wrong

WEAK

illicit prohibited taboo unlawful

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.

It’s also born from a desire on the state’s part to collect as many people’s lawful votes as possible.

From Slate • Jun. 9, 2026

These legal safeguards ensure an independent person checks that such arrangements are justified, lawful, and in the person's best interests.

From BBC • Jun. 2, 2026

“The resources are in place and we remain committed to pursuing every lawful avenue to ensure the Trump Kennedy Center is restored as a national cultural landmark for all Americans to enjoy,” Davri said.

From Los Angeles Times • May 29, 2026

Legal disputes involving student protesters, deportation proceedings and expanded scrutiny of lawful residents have increasingly merged immigration enforcement with broader debates over political speech, due process and constitutional protections.

From Salon • May 24, 2026

"I am their lawful prince," Theon said stiffly.

From "A Clash of Kings" by George R.R. Martin

Vocabulary lists containing lawful

A Just Cause: Synonyms for "Fair"

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Ten Words related to Citizenship

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You Are Correct! Synonyms for "Right"

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