The American's fourth consecutive World Championship gold on the distance was secured with a time of 19.52 seconds – six hundredths ahead of compatriot Kenneth Bednarek.
Lyles had shown his muscles already in the semifinal when he ran in 19.51. Now he had to struggle harder and it was not until the final stretch that he grasped the gold grip.
Bryan Levell, Jamaica, ran in 19.64, which was enough to snatch the bronze.
The women's final was not as even. Melissa Jefferson-Wooden, USA, was superior and won in 21.68, a new personal best for the 24-year-old. On the podium, she is joined by Amy Hunt, Great Britain, (22.14) and Shericka Jackson, Jamaica (22.19).
