Meaning & use

legal

adjective·Academic

Permitted or established by law; relating to the law.

See it in a sentence

It is not legal to drive without a valid license in most countries.

She sought legal advice before signing the contract.

A note on using this word

"Legal" describes what the law allows, while "legitimate" more broadly implies fairness even outside strict legal rules.

Words with a similar meaning

lawfulpermitted

Choose a synonym to suit the sentence. Meanings can overlap without being identical.

Words with an opposite meaning

illegal

Make it your own

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