RIGHTFUL Synonyms: 60 Similar and Opposite Words

rightful

adjective

ˈrīt-fəl

Definition of rightful

as in deserved

being what is called for by accepted standards of right and wrong in light of her admission of having lied, the only rightful course of action for the governor would be to resign

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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 rightful Ukraine does not recognize Russia as the rightful government in Crimea and says that excavations there must be permitted by Ukraine. — Brian Boucher, ARTnews.com, 18 Aug. 2026 An arrest alone does not repair the harm if the rightful owner remains displaced, indebted or trapped in court. — Landon Dais, New York Daily News, 15 Aug. 2026 Under Belgian law, the rightful owner has the right to claim the gold within five years. — Brie Stimson, FOXNews.com, 15 Aug. 2026 The Princess of Wales thus restored it to its rightful place in the eyes of the public. — Emma Banks, InStyle, 13 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for rightful

Recent Examples of Synonyms for rightful

Adjective

The toilet bowl has Díaz-Canel’s face painted on it, so people can leave their deserved offering.

— Sarah Moreno August 7, Miami Herald, 7 Aug. 2026
Netflix has already faced deserved criticism for its sports coverage, often turning live events into infomercials for its entertainment division.

— Bobby Burack OutKick, FOXNews.com, 3 Aug. 2026

Definition of deserved

Adjective

Different fandoms may debate whether the shots fired there are justified, but Bridgers is kind of taking one at herself here, too, amid all the no-love-lost.

— Chris Willman, Variety, 9 Aug. 2026
Despite the reforms, the NYPD’s federal monitor has repeatedly said that even when officers conduct a legally justified stop, the subsequent frisk or more invasive search is too often not justified.

— Colin Mixson, New York Daily News, 7 Aug. 2026

Definition of justified

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righters

rightful

rightfulness

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“Rightful.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/rightful. Accessed 22 Aug. 2026.

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Synonyms of rightful

adjective

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