law-abiding

adjective

law-abid·​ing ˈlȯ-ə-ˌbī-diŋ How to pronounce law-abiding (audio)
: abiding by or obedient to the law
law-abiding citizens
law-abidingness noun

Examples of law-abiding in a Sentence

the law-abiding citizens of the neighborhood did everything they could to help reduce street crime
Recent Examples on the Web
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.
Federal authorities are incarcerating undocumented people who are otherwise law-abiding, hardworking, taxpaying folks trying to make a better life for themselves and their families. Chicago Tribune, 21 May 2025 The result is shrinking yakuza groups that nowadays largely make headlines for disbanding, pursuing new law-abiding lives, or promising to behave. Jessie Yeung, CNN Money, 19 May 2025 But that’s not a compelling reason to prohibit an entire group of licensed, law-abiding citizens from participating in an activity that’s already tightly regulated by the state and self-sustaining through monies generated from license sales and excise taxes. Brandon Gleason, Hartford Courant, 16 May 2025 Why prioritize a perk for criminals over the needs of law-abiding residents? John McCann, San Diego Union-Tribune, 9 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for law-abiding

Word History

First Known Use

1834, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of law-abiding was in 1834

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Law-abiding.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/law-abiding. Accessed 6 Jun. 2025.

Kids Definition

law-abiding

adjective
law-abid·​ing
ˈlȯ-ə-ˌbīd-iŋ
: obedient to the law

Legal Definition

law-abiding

adjective
law-abid·​ing
ˈlȯ-ə-ˈbī-diŋ
: abiding by or obedient to the law
law-abidingness noun

More from Merriam-Webster on law-abiding

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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