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
In 2022, the Electoral Count Reform Act, passed with bipartisan support, strengthened the original act by creating a system of judicial oversight, where courts have the final say on the lawful counting of votes and determination of a slate of electors.
—
Jenna Bednar, Foreign Affairs, 5 Nov. 2024
MCCs, seemingly introduced for regulatory or monitoring purposes, carry significant implications for the privacy of consumers and equitable treatment of lawful transactions.
—Thomas G. Moukawsher, Newsweek, 4 Nov. 2024
The team might cite performance reviews and other aspects of Shelton’s employment file that suggest his departure was lawful and reasonable.
—Michael McCann, Sportico.com, 27 Oct. 2024
The $50 million for schools is frozen with the committee in retaliation against Evers' decision to veto other parts of the bill pertaining to the process for distributing the money, which the Dane County Circuit Court ruled was lawful after Republicans mounted legal challenges.
—Claudia Levens, Journal Sentinel, 16 Oct. 2024
See all Example Sentences for lawful 
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.
Jenna Bednar, Foreign Affairs, 5 Nov. 2024
MCCs, seemingly introduced for regulatory or monitoring purposes, carry significant implications for the privacy of consumers and equitable treatment of lawful transactions.
—Thomas G. Moukawsher, Newsweek, 4 Nov. 2024
The team might cite performance reviews and other aspects of Shelton’s employment file that suggest his departure was lawful and reasonable.
—Michael McCann, Sportico.com, 27 Oct. 2024
The $50 million for schools is frozen with the committee in retaliation against Evers' decision to veto other parts of the bill pertaining to the process for distributing the money, which the Dane County Circuit Court ruled was lawful after Republicans mounted legal challenges.
—Claudia Levens, Journal Sentinel, 16 Oct. 2024
See all Example Sentences for lawful
Dictionary Entries Near lawful
Cite this Entry
“Lawful.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/lawful. Accessed 28 Nov. 2024.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share