LEGITIMATE Synonyms: 87 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

legitimate 1 of 2

adjective

li-ˈji-tə-mət

Definition of legitimate next

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

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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

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Recent Examples of legitimate

Adjective

Kuechly was considered to have a legitimate shot at making it on his first try, as Peppers did last year. —

Scott Fowler, Charlotte Observer, 7 Feb. 2025 After failing to make a move at the deadline last year, the Bulls are much better positioned with Vučević, LaVine, Lonzo Ball and Coby White all providing legitimate value on the market. —

Julia Poe, Chicago Tribune, 3 Feb. 2025

Verb

As a result, what would generally be considered unacceptable vigilantism was legitimated. —

Dr. Marcus Collins, Forbes, 18 Dec. 2024 Over several months, thieves stole more than $18.7 million of the liquid gold (pure Canadian maple syrup is nearly 30 times more expensive than oil), then sold it to legitimate — and unaware — distributors. —

Amber Dowling, Variety, 6 Dec. 2024 See all Example Sentences for legitimate

Recent Examples of Synonyms for legitimate

Adjective

At the time, the entertainment giant continued to fight a high-profile legal battle with Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis over control of its special tax district that afforded the company special privileges in the state to control the land its sprawling theme parks sits on.

— Winston Cho, The Hollywood Reporter, 11 Feb. 2025
Linda Thompson Gonzalez joined the U.S. Department of State as legal counsel to the inspector general and later became assistant inspector general for congressional and media affairs.

— Linda Thompson Gonzalez, Sun Sentinel, 11 Feb. 2025