Meaning & use
Lawful
Last updated
Allowed or recognized by law; not illegal.
See it in a sentence
The protest was entirely lawful and took place with a valid permit.
She questioned whether the search of her car had been lawful.
A note on using this word
Often contrasted with 'legal' in subtle ways: 'lawful' can carry a moral or customary sense beyond mere statute.
Words with a similar meaning
Choose a synonym to suit the sentence. Meanings can overlap without being identical.
Words with an opposite meaning
unlawfulillegal
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