law-abiding
Americanadjective
adjective
Other Word Forms
Derived Forms
Etymology
Origin of law-abiding
First recorded in 1830–40
Vocabulary lists containing law-abiding
Vocabulary from the Eleventh Republican Debate March 3, 2016
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Selection Vocabulary 1, Unit 4
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Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
Even some within the ATF had misgivings, worrying that the policy would strain the agency’s relations with law-abiding dealers and make them less likely to offer alerts on suspicious behavior by buyers.
From Salon • Jun. 2, 2026
Advocates describe them as law-abiding members of their communities who contribute to the economy.
From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 29, 2026
Ghanaian officials have met the man in the video to offer him support and also urged citizens living abroad to continue being "law-abiding".
From BBC • Apr. 24, 2026
It was “free money” for law-abiding, tax-paying U.S. citizens.
From MarketWatch • Apr. 3, 2026
"So you're law-abiding too," I called only to become aware that it was someone else.
From "Invisible Man" by Ralph Ellison
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
