Rightful — Meaning, Definition & Synonyms

adjective /ˈrīt-fəl/ right·ful

Meaning & Definition of Rightful

Rightful (adjective)

  1. just, equitable
  2. having a just or legally established claim, legitimate
  3. held by right or just claim, legal

Rightful (adjective) — Senses, Synonyms & Antonyms

  1. being what is called for by accepted standards of right and wrong

    "in light of her admission of having lied, the only rightful course of action for the governor would be to resign"

    similar: competent, condign, deserved, due, fair, just, justified, merited, right, warranted
    related: applicable, appropriate, apt, fit, fitting, meet, proper, requisite, suitable, lawful, legal, legitimate, accurate, correct, true, rhadamanthine, strict, stringent, uncompromising, equitable, impartial, square
    opposite: undeserved, undue, unfair, unjust, unjustified, unmerited, unwarranted
    near: incoherent, incorrect, irrelative, irrelevant, improper, inapplicable, inapposite, inappropriate, inapt, indefensible, unjustifiable, unreasonable, unsuitable, biased, inequitable, partial, unequal, arbitrary, despotic, illegitimate, unlawful

Synonyms, Thesaurus & Another Word for Rightful

The most common words with a similar meaning to Rightful:

competent, condign, deserved, due, fair, just, justified, merited, right, warranted

Antonyms & Opposite Words for Rightful

Words with the opposite meaning of Rightful:

undeserved, undue, unfair, unjust, unjustified, unmerited, unwarranted

Related Words for Rightful

applicable, appropriate, apt, fit, fitting, meet, proper, requisite, suitable, lawful, legal, legitimate, accurate, correct, true, rhadamanthine, strict, stringent, uncompromising, equitable, impartial, square

Near Antonyms of Rightful

incoherent, incorrect, irrelative, irrelevant, improper, inapplicable, inapposite, inappropriate, inapt, indefensible, unjustifiable, unreasonable, unsuitable, biased, inequitable, partial, unequal, arbitrary, despotic, illegitimate, unlawful

Word Forms of Rightful

Derived words: rightfully (adverb), rightfulness (noun)

Origin & Etymology of Rightful

First known use: before 12th century

Frequently Asked Questions about Rightful

What does "Rightful" mean?

"Rightful" means just, equitable. As an adjective, it is defined as: just, equitable.

What is another word for "Rightful"?

Other words for "Rightful" include competent, condign, deserved, due, fair, just, justified and merited. The best synonym depends on which meaning of "Rightful" you intend.

What are different ways to say "Rightful"?

There are 32 words and phrases with a similar meaning to "Rightful". Common alternatives include competent, condign, deserved, due, fair, just, justified, merited, right and warranted.

What is the opposite of "Rightful"?

Antonyms of "Rightful" include undeserved, undue, unfair, unjust, unjustified, unmerited and unwarranted. Near antonyms include incoherent, incorrect, irrelative and irrelevant.

How do you use "Rightful" in a sentence?

Examples of "Rightful" in a sentence: "in light of her admission of having lied, the only rightful course of action for the governor would be to resign".

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

"Rightful" is an adjective.

How do you pronounce "Rightful"?

"Rightful" is pronounced /ˈrīt-fəl/ and divided into syllables as right·ful.

What is the origin of the word "Rightful"?

First known use: before 12th century.