entitled
Americanadjective
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called by the title indicated.
In my paper so entitled, I explore the idea that "Robust Democracy Is National Security."
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having a right or legitimate claim to something.
The inheritance passes to the legally entitled heir.
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assuming or acting as though one has an innate right or claim to wealth, success, recognition, etc..
I was so entitled and self-centered that I never noticed the injustices around me.
verb
Other Word Forms
Derived Forms
Etymology
Origin of entitled
Compare meaning
How does entitled compare to similar and commonly confused words? Explore the most common comparisons:
Explanation
The adjective entitled means you have a legal right to something. If you are entitled to your mother's house when she passes away, that means it's written in her will that she gave it to you. Entitled is often used in a more casual way, to mean "allowed." For example, volunteers at the park clean-up are entitled to the water and snacks at the pavilion. Sometimes, though, people feel they are entitled to special treatment because they think they are more worthy than others. This usage of entitled came from the mid 15th century, when it referred to giving someone the title of an estate or property.
Vocabulary lists containing entitled
Vocabulary from the Constitution of the United States
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"Sorry, Wrong Number," Vocabulary from the play
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myPerspectives 6.1
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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.
The study, which recently began circulating in academic circles, is entitled “The Growth and Performance of Artificial Intelligence in Asset Management.”
From MarketWatch • Jun. 2, 2026
I loved that one because it said we’re all entitled to noodle without having to make much fuss about it.
From Los Angeles Times • May 28, 2026
Bruckert and Andres, the former GM, said both women were rude and entitled and ran up excessive tabs for membership meetings that were billed to the club.
From The Wall Street Journal • May 28, 2026
But Human Rights Watch urged the government to scrap the scheme, describing it as "unproven technology" that will undermine the protections vulnerable children are entitled to.
From BBC • May 28, 2026
We told the court that there was overwhelming evidence that Mr. McMillian's rights had been violated, and that he was entitled to immediate relief.
From "Just Mercy" by Bryan Stevenson
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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.