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Synonyms

law-abiding

American  
[law-uh-bahy-ding] / ˈlɔ əˌbaɪ dɪŋ /

adjective

  1. obeying or keeping the law; obedient to law.

    law-abiding citizens.


law-abiding British  

adjective

  1. adhering more or less strictly to the laws

    a law-abiding citizen

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Other Word Forms

Etymology

Origin of law-abiding

First recorded in 1830–40

Vocabulary lists containing law-abiding

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.

See Examples For:

On a practical level, he added, the data sharing increased the risk of breaches that can open law-abiding citizens up to identity theft.

From Salon ● Aug. 15, 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

"It has a huge impact on your law-abiding citizens as well."

From BBC ● Jul. 7, 2026

In other words, deporting law-abiding workers reduces job opportunities for American workers.

From The Wall Street Journal ● May 6, 2026

Proud to be Germans, Jews were law-abiding citizens who had helped Germany to grow.

From "Hitler Youth: Growing Up in Hitler's Shadow" by Susan Campbell Bartoletti

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