RIGHTLY Synonyms: 36 Similar and Opposite Words

rightly

adverb

ˈrīt-lē

Definition of rightly

as in properly

in a manner suitable for the occasion or purpose marveling at the awesome sight, we had to agree that the Grand Canyon was rightly named

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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 rightly Protecting patient records, restoring systems after breaches and maintaining uptime are priorities that have rightly dominated boardroom conversations and investment decisions. — Rhett Alden, Forbes.com, 21 Aug. 2026 Creative labor certainly seems to be disappearing as studios experiment with generative AI, and artists and craftspeople are rightly afraid of being further mistreated, devalued, or replaced. — Alison Foreman, IndieWire, 21 Aug. 2026 But her kindly and supportive cop boyfriend Nick (Brandon Perea) rightly insists that the duo should perhaps move out of the house when Gemma’s habitual nightmares intensify. — Tomris Laffly, Variety, 19 Aug. 2026 The administration of President Barack Obama rightly deployed the THAAD (Terminal High Altitude Air Defense) anti-missile system for this purpose. — Arthur I. Cyr, Chicago Tribune, 18 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for rightly

Recent Examples of Synonyms for rightly

Adverb

Knowing what to look for and how to properly analyze a vehicle during a test drive can be the difference between choosing your next daily driver that'll last decades, or leaving a vehicle on the lot.

— Charles Singh, USA Today, 27 Aug. 2026
During the trial, the defense called witnesses who described Clancy as a dedicated parent who suffered from extreme mental illness and was not properly treated by her medical providers.

— Nicki Brown, CNN Money, 27 Aug. 2026

Definition of properly

Adverb

Training begins with a small smoke test to make sure the robot, environment, cameras, and control system work together correctly.

— Jijo Malayil, Interesting Engineering, 27 Aug. 2026
In simpler terms, a part of your paycheck subsidizes a boomer’s benefits—and according to the Cato Institute’s 2025 polling, only 45% of Americans correctly understand how the program works.

— Joshua Hong, Fortune, 27 Aug. 2026

Definition of correctly

Adverb

Here's why even more are ahead To be as comfortable as possible, dress appropriately for the weather, use bug spray and bring a blanket, a sleeping bag, or a reclining chair to lie on.

— Julia Gomez, USA Today, 27 Aug. 2026
In a letter to ICE's acting director Thursday, Cortez Masto and 15 of her colleagues in the Democratic caucus questioned ICE's need to spend up to $20 million to buy the devices, as well as the agency's ability to use them appropriately.

— ABC News, ABC News, 27 Aug. 2026

Definition of appropriately

Browse Nearby Words

rightists

rightly

right-minded

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“Rightly.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/rightly. Accessed 2 Sep. 2026.

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Synonyms of rightly

adverb

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