law-abiding
Americanadjective
adjective
Other Word 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.
He told AFP he was surprised to hear Friday's assailants came from the neighbourhood, which he described as middle-class and law-abiding.
From Barron's ● Oct. 24, 2026
The American Dream and Promise Act offers pathways to permanent status for Dreamers, those who were eligible for temporary protected status, and certain other highly vetted law-abiding noncitizens who now risk arrest, detention, and deportation.
From Slate ● Aug. 4, 2026
Advocates describe TPS beneficiaries as law-abiding members of their communities who contribute to the economy.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Jun. 25, 2026
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
“My law-abiding friends and I were on a lovely morning stroll,” the Rougarou says.
From "The Manifestor Prophecy" by Angie Thomas
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Get a wordDefinitions 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.
