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
He was enrolled in a master’s program in biblical studies, but currently does not have lawful status in the country, officials said.
—
Cindy Von Quednow, CNN Money, 28 Oct. 2025
Authorities said that he was previously admitted to the United States on a student visa and no longer holds lawful immigration status and is currently in Immigration and Customs Enforcement custody.
—Sarah Rumpf-Whitten , Adriana James-Rodil, FOXNews.com, 28 Oct. 2025
However, Usiripalli does not currently have lawful status in the country.
—Latoya Gayle, PEOPLE, 28 Oct. 2025
The White House has defended the project as both lawful and consistent with presidential authority.
—Robert Alexander, MSNBC Newsweek, 24 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for lawful
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
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Cindy Von Quednow, CNN Money, 28 Oct. 2025
Authorities said that he was previously admitted to the United States on a student visa and no longer holds lawful immigration status and is currently in Immigration and Customs Enforcement custody.
—Sarah Rumpf-Whitten , Adriana James-Rodil, FOXNews.com, 28 Oct. 2025
However, Usiripalli does not currently have lawful status in the country.
—Latoya Gayle, PEOPLE, 28 Oct. 2025
The White House has defended the project as both lawful and consistent with presidential authority.
—Robert Alexander, MSNBC Newsweek, 24 Oct. 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 4 Nov. 2025.
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