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 The policy updates come amid the slew of ongoing legal battles by players who were originally part of the 2022 high school recruiting class seeking a fifth year of collegiate eligibility. — Jordan McPherson, Miami Herald, 28 Aug. 2026 Colorado has no shortage of important legal priorities, from protecting consumers against fraud to addressing the complex issues facing families and businesses across the state. — Robin Rossenfeld, Denver Post, 28 Aug. 2026 Frustration of purpose is a legal doctrine that says a contract can be discharged when an unforeseen event destroys the fundamental reason one party entered the agreement. — Ashlee Difuntorum, Forbes.com, 28 Aug. 2026 Hellerstein, in his ruling Friday, also said Trump had no legal grounds to remove the case from state court after he was convicted and sentenced. — Dan Mangan, CNBC, 28 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for legal
Recent Examples of Synonyms for legal
  1. legitimate
  2. moral
  3. ethical
  4. clean
  5. fair
Adjective
  • Perhaps his greatest legacy at UCF is Dean was coaching in 1991 when UCF finally moved out of its tiny dank gymnasium and into its first legitimate basketball arena — a sparkling, by UCF standards, 5,100-seat facility.
    — Mike Bianchi, The Orlando Sentinel, 28 Aug. 2026
  • Although some agencies said the officers’ Flock searches appeared to be connected to legitimate narcotics investigations or training exercises, many took swift disciplinary action.
    — Kenny Jacoby, USA Today, 28 Aug. 2026
Definition of legitimate
Adjective
  • The psychological thriller, which Zeller wrote, produced and directed, follows the emotional and moral challenges faced by a couple in an increasingly uncertain world.
    — Diana Lodderhose, Deadline, 2 Sep. 2026
  • His words were interpreted as a kind of political and moral mission spurred by his son’s death.
    — Amos Harel, Foreign Affairs, 2 Sep. 2026
Definition of moral
Adjective
  • Modern interpreters have read his 10 heads as signifying his vast knowledge of 10 sacred texts, or alternately his 10 ethical failings, but the Ramayana account describes him as 10-headed from birth.
    — Charles Preston, Encyclopedia Britannica, 28 Aug. 2026
  • Talarico is hoping to raise further ethical questions about Paxton by publicizing the Unity Resources case.
    — Phillip M. Bailey, USA Today, 26 Aug. 2026
Definition of ethical
Adjective
  • The clarifying formula also removes mineral deposits left behind by hard water, creating a cleaner foundation for hair with more natural movement.
    — Christa Joanna Lee, Allure, 28 Aug. 2026
  • Even her decision to send Bernard out to clean feels more vindictive than logical.
    — Noel Murray, Vulture, 28 Aug. 2026
Definition of clean
Adjective
  • As the stock approaches fair value and its potential gains become more limited, the investor could sell more calls to collect additional income.
    — Lee Ying Shan, CNBC, 1 Sep. 2026
  • But some Venezuelans are questioning if the deal's terms are fair.
    — Julia Simon, NPR, 31 Aug. 2026
Definition of fair

Phrases Containing legal

Browse Nearby Words

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 3 Sep. 2026.

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