rightful

adjective

right·​ful ˈrīt-fəl How to pronounce rightful (audio)
Synonyms of rightfulnext
1
: just, equitable
2
a
: having a just or legally established claim : legitimate
the rightful owner
b
: held by right or just claim : legal
rightful authority
3
: proper, fitting
… assured of his rightful place in history …—Brian Duff
rightfully
ˈrīt-fə-lē How to pronounce rightful (audio)
adverb
rightfulness noun

Synonyms of rightful

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Examples of rightful in a Sentence

The property should be returned to its rightful owner. He will be given his rightful place in the history books.
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.
But Crown’s true motives are to return precious stolen or sold artifacts to their rightful creators. — Mya Copeland, Variety, 29 July 2026 The state has rightful guardrails for expensive projects, and all levels of government have growing lists of infrastructure needs. — Doug Turnbull, AJC.com, 26 July 2026 That should not downplay Piastri’s rightful frustration over what happened. — Madeline Coleman, New York Times, 26 July 2026 In the living room, Mock recommends folding blankets, fluffing pillows, and returning any items that have accrued in the space to their rightful homes. — Patricia Shannon, Southern Living, 25 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for rightful

Word History

First Known Use

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of rightful was before the 12th century

Rhymes for rightful

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Browse Nearby Words

right fielder
rightful
rightfully
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Cite this Entry

“Rightful.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/rightful. Accessed 5 Aug. 2026.

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Kids Definition

rightful

adjective
right·​ful ˈrīt-fəl How to pronounce rightful (audio)
1
: just entry 1 sense 2a
2
: having a just or legal claim : legitimate
the rightful owner
rightfully
-fə-lē How to pronounce rightful (audio)
adverb
rightfulness noun

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Nglish: Translation of rightful for Spanish Speakers

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