lawful
9 synonyms and 2 antonyms for lawful, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Adj — Allowed or recognised by the law.
Synonyms
Everyday swaps
Common words most readers know — safe in any writing.
Less common
Still standard English, but they carry more weight.
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
Antonyms
How to use lawful
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
Etymology
From Middle English laweful — "law" plus the suffix "-ful."
Full origin of lawful →Frequently asked questions
What does “lawful” mean?
The word “lawful” means allowed or recognised by the law. In plain terms, permitted by the law, or (in games) rule-following by nature.
How do you pronounce “lawful”?
“Lawful” is pronounced LAWFL (/ˈlɔfl̩/ in IPA).
How do you use “lawful” in a sentence?
Here is “lawful” used in a sentence: “The company checked that the merger was lawful before signing anything.”
What is another word for “lawful”?
Words with a similar meaning to “lawful” include de jure, legal, legitimate, licit and rightful.
What is the opposite of “lawful”?
The opposite of “lawful” — its antonyms — are forbidden and unlawful.
What part of speech is “lawful”?
“Lawful” is an adjective.
Where does the word “lawful” come from?
The word “lawful” comes from Middle English. From Middle English laweful — "law" plus the suffix "-ful.".
Is “lawful” a common word?
“Lawful” is an uncommon word in modern English, usually learned at around the B1 level.
What is the difference between lawful and legal?
Lawful and legal are close synonyms, both describing something allowed or recognized by the law; "lawful" is often used in slightly more formal or moral contexts, while "legal" is the more everyday, technical term for compliance with the law.
What does "lawful" mean in tabletop role-playing games?
In tabletop role-playing games, "lawful" describes a character who follows rules, traditions, and codes of conduct, forming one half of alignment pairs such as "lawful good" or "lawful evil."
What is the opposite of lawful?
The opposite of lawful is unlawful or illegal, describing something not allowed or not recognized by the law.