1
a
: being in harmony with the law
a lawful judgment
b
: constituted, authorized, or established by law : rightful
lawful institutions
2
: law-abiding
lawful citizens
Examples of lawful in a Sentence
a lawful search of the property
hunting is a lawful activity only if you have the proper license
Recent Examples on the Web
This is a lawful order to LEAVE NOW.
—
Ca Wildfire Bot, Sacbee.com, 31 Mar. 2025
When is a lawful arrest a kidnapping?
—Rich Lowry, National Review, 30 Mar. 2025
In recent weeks, international tourists, visa holders and lawful permanent residents — also known as green-card holders — have been facing tougher scrutiny at airports and border crossings.
—Juliana Kim, NPR, 29 Mar. 2025
Mahmoud Khalil's case has become one of the most well known, after the Columbia University graduate student and activist, a lawful permanent resident, was detained by ICE agents in New York earlier this month.
—Emily Mae Czachor, CBS News, 27 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for lawful
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Ca Wildfire Bot, Sacbee.com, 31 Mar. 2025
When is a lawful arrest a kidnapping?
—Rich Lowry, National Review, 30 Mar. 2025
In recent weeks, international tourists, visa holders and lawful permanent residents — also known as green-card holders — have been facing tougher scrutiny at airports and border crossings.
—Juliana Kim, NPR, 29 Mar. 2025
Mahmoud Khalil's case has become one of the most well known, after the Columbia University graduate student and activist, a lawful permanent resident, was detained by ICE agents in New York earlier this month.
—Emily Mae Czachor, CBS News, 27 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for lawful
Cite this Entry
“Lawful.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/lawful. Accessed 18 Apr. 2025.
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