Lawful — Meaning, Definition & Synonyms

adjective /ˈlȯ-fəl/ law·ful

Meaning & Definition of Lawful

Lawful (adjective)

  1. being in harmony with the law
  2. constituted, authorized, or established by law, rightful
  3. law-abiding

Lawful (adjective) — Senses, Synonyms & Antonyms

  1. permitted by law

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

    similar: legal, legit (slang), legitimate, licit
    related: allowable, authorized, noncriminal, permissible, justifiable, warrantable, constitutional, de jure, regulation, statutory, good, innocent, just, proper, right
    opposite: illegal, illegitimate, illicit, lawless, unlawful, wrongful
    near: bad, corrupt, evil, immoral, iniquitous, reprobate, sinful, wicked, wrong, banned, criminal, forbidden, guilty, impermissible, outlawed, prohibited, unauthorized, unjust, under-the-counter, under-the-table, nonconstitutional, unconstitutional

Synonyms, Thesaurus & Another Word for Lawful

The most common words with a similar meaning to Lawful:

Slang: legit
legal, legitimate, licit

Antonyms & Opposite Words for Lawful

Words with the opposite meaning of Lawful:

illegal, illegitimate, illicit, lawless, unlawful, wrongful

Related Words for Lawful

allowable, authorized, noncriminal, permissible, justifiable, warrantable, constitutional, de jure, regulation, statutory, good, innocent, just, proper, right

Near Antonyms of Lawful

bad, corrupt, evil, immoral, iniquitous, reprobate, sinful, wicked, wrong, banned, criminal, forbidden, guilty, impermissible, outlawed, prohibited, unauthorized, unjust, under-the-counter, under-the-table, nonconstitutional, unconstitutional

Word Forms of Lawful

Derived words: lawfully (adverb), lawfulness (noun)

Origin & Etymology of Lawful

First known use: 14th century

Frequently Asked Questions about Lawful

What does "Lawful" mean?

"Lawful" means being in harmony with the law. As an adjective, it is defined as: being in harmony with the law.

What is another word for "Lawful"?

Other words for "Lawful" include legal, legit, legitimate and licit. The best synonym depends on which meaning of "Lawful" you intend.

What are different ways to say "Lawful"?

There are 19 words and phrases with a similar meaning to "Lawful". Common alternatives include legal, legit, legitimate and licit.

What is the opposite of "Lawful"?

Antonyms of "Lawful" include illegal, illegitimate, illicit, lawless, unlawful and wrongful. Near antonyms include bad, corrupt, evil and immoral.

How do you use "Lawful" in a sentence?

Examples of "Lawful" in a sentence: "hunting is a lawful activity only if you have the proper license".

Is "Lawful" a noun, verb, or adjective?

"Lawful" is an adjective.

How do you pronounce "Lawful"?

"Lawful" is pronounced /ˈlȯ-fəl/ and divided into syllables as law·ful.

What is the origin of the word "Lawful"?

First known use: 14th century.