legitimate 1 of 2

adjective

li-ˈji-tə-mət How to pronounce legitimate (audio)
Definition of legitimatenext
as in legal
permitted by law the mistrust created among investors by the financial scandal has hurt even companies engaged in wholly legitimate business practices

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

legitimate

2 of 2

verb

as in to legitimize

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

How is the word legitimate different from other adjectives like it?

Some common synonyms of legitimate are lawful, legal, and licit. While all these words mean "being in accordance with law," legitimate may apply to a legal right or status but also, in extended use, to a right or status supported by tradition, custom, or accepted standards.

a perfectly legitimate question about taxes

When is it sensible to use lawful instead of legitimate?

The synonyms lawful and legitimate are sometimes interchangeable, but lawful may apply to conformity with law of any sort (such as natural, divine, common, or canon).

the lawful sovereign

When can legal be used instead of legitimate?

While in some cases nearly identical to legitimate, legal applies to what is sanctioned by law or in conformity with the law, especially as it is written or administered by the courts.

legal residents of the state

In what contexts can licit take the place of legitimate?

Although the words licit and legitimate have much in common, licit applies to a strict conformity to the provisions of the law and applies especially to what is regulated by law.

the licit use of drugs by doctors

Example Sentences

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.
Recent Examples of legitimate
Adjective
This bill will chill legitimate political speech while exposing citizens to health risks as well as risks of doxxing, harassment and violence. — Nikki Morse, Baltimore Sun, 16 Mar. 2025 For the past 44 years, the church has been engaged in a concerted effort to become a legitimate part of the Oregon community. — Guthrie Scrimgeour, Rolling Stone, 16 Mar. 2025
Verb
As the warm glow of his Crimea success has faded, Putin has struggled to find a narrative to legitimate his rule. — Timothy Frye, Foreign Affairs, 26 Feb. 2022 The stretch was supposed to tell us how close the over-performing Steelers could be to legitimate Super Bowl contenders. — Mike Defabo, The Athletic, 9 Jan. 2025 See All Example Sentences for legitimate
Recent Examples of Synonyms for legitimate
  1. legal
  2. legitimize
  3. justifiable
  4. validate
  5. lawful
  6. sanction
  7. privilege
  8. warrant
Adjective
  • When splitting retirement plans, a Qualified Domestic Relations Order (QDRO) is a legal document that is used to facilitate the split.
    — Heather L. Locus, Forbes, 10 Mar. 2025
  • That's not a step Trump apparently is going to bother with, though some legal scholars say it's required by law.
    — Susan Page, USA TODAY, 9 Mar. 2025
Definition of legal
Verb
  • 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, Chicago Tribune, 27 Feb. 2025
Definition of legitimize
Adjective
  • In many cases, anger and resentment are valid, justifiable responses in conflict.
    — Mark Travers, Forbes, 8 Mar. 2025
  • Many promising young people, making government service as a career, have been suddenly fired without justifiable reason.
    — Peter Buonome, Hartford Courant, 5 Mar. 2025
Definition of justifiable
Verb
  • The format has been criticized as politically counterproductive, with Newsom appearing unprepared and overly eager to validate conservative talking points.
    — Mark Z. Barabak, Los Angeles Times, 12 Mar. 2025
  • While previous deals—including linking up with The PGA of Canada, the Korn Ferry Tour, and the World Golf Competition—helped validate the startup’s concept, Norman’s backing marks a whole new level of industry acceptance.
    — Mike Dojc, Forbes, 12 Mar. 2025
Definition of validate
Adjective
  • The Trump administration’s attempt to deport a lawful permanent resident protest leader may raise significant First Amendment issues.
    — Stuart Anderson, Forbes, 11 Mar. 2025
  • Under California Corporations Code, members have a right to call for a special meeting by way of petition for any lawful purpose.
    — Karen Billing, San Diego Union-Tribune, 10 Mar. 2025
Definition of lawful
Verb
  • The first Trump administration sanctioned the Houthis.
    — Benjamin Weinthal, Fox News, 18 Mar. 2025
  • Baton Twirling Championships The All West Regionals Baton Twirling Championships, sanctioned by National Baton Twirling Association International, will be held March 22-23 at the Peterson Gymnasium at San Diego State University.
    — Linda Mcintosh, San Diego Union-Tribune, 13 Mar. 2025
Definition of sanction
Verb
  • Woo used the trip to reassure Xi that a DP government in South Korea would privilege better relations with his country, and Xi’s decision to meet with Woo personally signaled just how happy China is to hear this.
    — Ian Bremmer, TIME, 28 Feb. 2025
  • Caution and brand protection suggest privileging continuity over a lucky seasonal earning.
    — Matteo Atti, Forbes, 21 Jan. 2025
Definition of privilege
Verb
  • The Windjammer Isle of Palms, South Carolina While this legendary music venue draws crowds for its notable performers—Darius Rucker has rocked the stage frequently since the 1990s—the Atlantic Ocean views warrant their own trip here, particularly at sunset.
    — Kaitlyn Yarborough, Southern Living, 11 Mar. 2025
  • Jim has suggested that Alphabet’s strong market position may not warrant legal action since advertisers can always find other companies to advertise with.
    — Paulina Likos,Matthew J. Belvedere, CNBC, 10 Mar. 2025
Definition of warrant

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Cite this Entry

“Legitimate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/legitimate. Accessed 22 Mar. 2025.

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