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.
Congress can also create a path to citizenship for those who have been in the United States lawfully, for a period of time, have been contributing to our communities, and are law-abiding.
From Slate ● Jun. 26, 2026
"Such conduct undermines the dignity and rights of law-abiding citizens," the ministry said in a statement released on Thursday.
From BBC ● Apr. 24, 2026
It was “free money” for law-abiding, tax-paying U.S. citizens.
From MarketWatch ● Apr. 3, 2026
“Full participation in commerce and public life necessarily requires that law-abiding individuals can access, and freely participate in, our financial system,” he wrote.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Mar. 26, 2026
Criminals disliked lousy weather as much as law-abiding citizens did.
From "Hoot" by Carl Hiaasen
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.
