legal

adjective

ˈlē-gəl How to pronounce legal (audio)
Definition of legalnext
1
as in legitimate
permitted by law the congressman's fund-raising efforts, though arguably unethical, were determined to be legal

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in moral
following or according to the rules the referee declared it a legal play

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

How is the word legal different from other adjectives like it?

Some common synonyms of legal are lawful, legitimate, and licit. While all these words mean "being in accordance with law," legal applies to what is sanctioned by law or in conformity with the law, especially as it is written or administered by the courts.

legal residents of the state

When can lawful be used instead of legal?

The meanings of lawful and legal largely overlap; however, lawful may apply to conformity with law of any sort (such as natural, divine, common, or canon).

the lawful sovereign

Where would legitimate be a reasonable alternative to legal?

In some situations, the words legitimate and legal are roughly equivalent. However, legitimate may apply to a legal right or status but also, in extended use, to a right or status supported by tradition, custom, or accepted standards.

a perfectly legitimate question about taxes

When would licit be a good substitute for legal?

The words licit and legal can be used in similar contexts, but licit applies to a strict conformity to the provisions of the law and applies especially to what is regulated by law.

the licit use of drugs by doctors

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of legal Trump and various White House officials have repeatedly floated the idea of sending U.S. citizens to El Salvador and other places -- something legal experts have said would be flatly unconstitutional. —Michelle Stoddart, ABC News, 14 Apr. 2025 Process: Öztürk was shipped from state to state — a journey, critics say, that makes legal challenges of such cases more difficult. —Hannah Allam, ProPublica, 13 Apr. 2025 While the legal battle over this controversial use of presidential power is still playing out in the courts, ripple effects already are being felt beyond the boardrooms of the country's most powerful law firms. —Ryan Lucas, NPR, 13 Apr. 2025 There wasn’t any discussion of the legal battle on the January earnings call, but that could change this time around. —Kevin Stankiewicz,matthew J. Belvedere, CNBC, 13 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for legal
Recent Examples of Synonyms for legal
  1. legitimate
  2. moral
  3. ethical
  4. clean
  5. fair
Adjective
  • There are no shortcuts—and certainly no legitimate services that require payment in exchange for early release.
    — Walter Pavlo, Forbes.com, 9 Apr. 2025
  • Republicans have argued that the Biden CFPB targeted legitimate practices by banks.
    — Zach Halaschak, The Washington Examiner, 9 Apr. 2025
Definition of legitimate
Adjective
  • But reading also builds our empathic muscles and challenges our ethical and moral judgment.
    — Ann Kowal Smith, Forbes.com, 18 Apr. 2025
  • Hungary Law Poses Predicament Limbo land: Film and TV makers are facing a moral dilemma in Hungary, which has become a production hotspot thanks to its generous 30% tax rebate that, crucially, pays upfront.
    — Jesse Whittock, Deadline, 18 Apr. 2025
Definition of moral
Adjective
  • Many organizations are actively working on ethical AI frameworks to address bias and ensure fair, transparent decision-making processes.
    — Chaitanya Laxminarayana, Forbes.com, 14 Apr. 2025
  • The ethical lines are blurry and the decision-making is messy, but totally thrilling.
    — Annabel Gutterman, Time, 11 Apr. 2025
Definition of ethical
Adjective
  • Instead, use a clean Q-tip to gently wipe away any excess spray.
    — Leah Campano, Seventeen, 3 Feb. 2023
  • Under the auspices of the Sustainable Marblehead Beach Cleaning team, led by Pam Roberts, groups of volunteers clean at least one beach in Marblehead each week, year-round.
    — Bette Keva, BostonGlobe.com, 3 Feb. 2023
Definition of clean
Adjective
  • The Democrat Party today, and specifically JB Pritzker, does not believe in fair competition.
    — Jackson Thompson, FOXNews.com, 19 Apr. 2025
  • Pros Flexible term lengths Rate discounts available Works with borrowers with fair credit Cons Loans may not be available in all states The lender charges origination fees Learn More View More 3.
    — Brian Sloan,Dan Avery, CNBC, 19 Apr. 2025
Definition of fair

Phrases Containing legal

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legacy
legal
legal eagle
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Cite this Entry

“Legal.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/legal. Accessed 23 Apr. 2025.

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Nglish: Translation of legal for Spanish Speakers

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