LEGALLY Synonyms: 16 Similar and Opposite Words

legally

adverb

ˈlē-gə-lē

Definition of legally

as in ethically

according to the rules or the law that's not a move that can be made legally in chess

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Example Sentences

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 legally After its 4 1/2-year war in Ukraine, Russia appears to fit that description, adding one more justification for the 1949 Geneva Conventions – to which Moscow is legally bound. — The Monitor's Editorial Board, Christian Science Monitor, 2 Oct. 2026 The change meant that most college students could no longer legally purchase alcohol, leading some of them to drink in more private settings, like fraternity houses. — Pietro A. Sasso, The Conversation, 2 Oct. 2026 Even such a ruling, though, likely would not establish that other similar suits are legally sound. — Callie Patteson, The Washington Examiner, 1 Oct. 2026 According to Blankenship, bobcats cannot be legally hunted or trapped in Will County as harvesting is restricted to the southern and western halves of Illinois. — Elena Tittel, Chicago Tribune, 1 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for legally

Recent Examples of Synonyms for legally

Adverb

Years later, after his family expressed interest in wanting to be reunited with his work, the Milwaukee Art Museum came up with a way to ethically and legally transfer the vessels to Drake’s descendants, per the Journal Sentinel.

— Angel Saunders, PEOPLE, 30 Sep. 2026
But what is the point of trying to enlarge our sympathies if a writer reserves such gestures for ethically perfect people?

— Sanjena Sathian, Vulture, 22 Sep. 2026

Definition of ethically

Adverb

The current menu is fairly limited and feels a little flat compared to Saffron, but no doubt as business ramps up, the selection will expand accordingly.

— Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 6 Oct. 2026
From Lagos to the Grand Palais, Ojuromi is fairly compelling proof of the concept.

— Anna Cafolla, Vogue, 6 Oct. 2026

Definition of fairly

Adverb

Set in modern-day Buffalo, Don’t Go Gentle follows Tanya Jenkins, a mother and Army medic who was honorably discharged.

— Stewart Clarke, Deadline, 24 Sep. 2026
Nash was honorably discharged from the Air Force in 2016 and worked as a contractor overseas, teaching pilots to fly F-15.

— Melinda Moore, Chicago Tribune, 11 Sep. 2026

Definition of honorably

Adverb

The Giants scored both of their runs with two outs in the fourth on Whitcomb’s pop-fly single that fell just fair near the right-field line.

— ABC News, ABC News, 23 Sep. 2026
Climate was top of the agenda at Première Vision Paris as the global textiles fair took place in the still-sweltering 27-degree Centigrade (about 80 degrees Fahrenheit) heat following a summer marred by record heat across Europe.

— Ellen Groves, Footwear News, 10 Sep. 2026

Definition of fair

Adverb

Precise control over internal cell orientation remains key for powering small electronic devices cleanly and efficiently.

— Mrigakshi Dixit, Interesting Engineering, 8 Oct. 2026
On the awards front, that makes for projects that are too complex to cleanly fit into one genre.

— Marcus Jones, IndieWire, 8 Oct. 2026

Definition of cleanly

Adverb

Before things kicked off, a chant devoted to keeping the earth clean echoed at the beach.

— Shardaa Gray, CBS News, 22 Apr. 2026
That's especially proven in season 2, when — after coming clean to her team about holding Sir captive — Gabi's closest allies turn their backs on her.

— Dave Quinn, People.com, 10 Oct. 2024