legitimize
verb
le·git·i·mize
li-ˈji-tə-ˌmīz 
legitimized; legitimizing
: to make legitimate : legitimate
Examples of legitimize in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Carefully crafted to bolster egos and legitimize harms.
—
Christine Winter, Artforum, 1 Mar. 2025
The plan by Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin, as reported in the news, will legitimize and embolden Russia.
—Chicago Tribune, 27 Feb. 2025
Macron has taken a leading role in Europe's push to keep Trump from cutting a hurried deal to end the Ukraine war that legitimizes Vladimir Putin and rewards the Russian invasion.
—Francesca Chambers, USA TODAY, 26 Feb. 2025
Rihanna supported her partner all throughout the three-week trial, often accompanying him to court and sitting with his family, acting as a support—or, as others have argued, a shield—that legitimizes his image as a caring partner and father.
—Kathleen Walsh, Glamour, 19 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for legitimize
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Christine Winter, Artforum, 1 Mar. 2025
The plan by Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin, as reported in the news, will legitimize and embolden Russia.
—Chicago Tribune, 27 Feb. 2025
Macron has taken a leading role in Europe's push to keep Trump from cutting a hurried deal to end the Ukraine war that legitimizes Vladimir Putin and rewards the Russian invasion.
—Francesca Chambers, USA TODAY, 26 Feb. 2025
Rihanna supported her partner all throughout the three-week trial, often accompanying him to court and sitting with his family, acting as a support—or, as others have argued, a shield—that legitimizes his image as a caring partner and father.
—Kathleen Walsh, Glamour, 19 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for legitimize
Cite this Entry
“Legitimize.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/legitimize. Accessed 20 Mar. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
Legal Definition
legitimize
transitive verb
le·git·i·mize
lə-ˈji-tə-ˌmīz
legitimized; legitimizing
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share