as in to enable
to make something real, accepted, or official
slang words legitimized by usage
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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 legitimize
The Biden administration didn't think such talks would yield results and worried about legitimizing Hamas, which the U.S. considers a terror group, a former official tells Axios.
—
Barak Ravid, Axios, 7 Mar. 2025
All that was missing was a grand unifying theory — a vocabulary to give voice to these intense cultural frustrations and draw a legitimizing connection between them and the Constitution.
—Mattathias Schwartz, New York Times, 15 Feb. 2025
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
See All Example Sentences for legitimize
Barak Ravid, Axios, 7 Mar. 2025
All that was missing was a grand unifying theory — a vocabulary to give voice to these intense cultural frustrations and draw a legitimizing connection between them and the Constitution.
—Mattathias Schwartz, New York Times, 15 Feb. 2025
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
See All Example Sentences for legitimize
Recent Examples of Synonyms for legitimize
Verb
-
Translated, money’s sole purpose is as an agreement about value among wealth producers that enables them to exchange wealth of roughly equal value with each other.—
John Tamny,
Forbes,
23 Mar. 2025
-
Solutions like these improve health and education outcomes, empower women, and enable families to thrive, transforming their futures.—
Matt Damon,
TIME,
22 Mar. 2025
Verb
-
The Senate resolution, introduced by Senator Tim Kaine, a Virginia Democrat, would repeal Trump's February emergency declaration authorizing the tariffs.—
Jason D. Greenblatt,
MSNBC Newsweek,
2 Apr. 2025
-
This bill authorizes the National Taxpayer Advocate (NTA) to appoint legal counsel as a direct report within the Taxpayer Advocate Service (TAS).—
Kelly Phillips Erb,
Forbes.com,
2 Apr. 2025
Verb
-
Whereas empathy can lead to emotional entanglement that can distort decision-making, compassionate objectivity acknowledges and validates emotions without being overtaken by them.—
Tim Maurer,
Forbes,
23 Mar. 2025
-
Mothers who had kids in quick succession, like her, validated why their experience was challenging.—
Thomas G. Moukawsher,
Newsweek,
22 Mar. 2025
Verb
-
Widows may be entitled to survivor benefits, but the amount and eligibility depend on their age and their spouse’s work history.—
Larry Light,
Forbes,
22 Mar. 2025
-
Passengers whose flight was cancelled and no longer wished to travel would be entitled to a refund.—
Chloe Taylor,
CNBC,
21 Mar. 2025
Verb
-
The campaign registers domains that are close enough to legitimate websites to trick users into clicking, or at least to stop them flagging the deceit.—
Zak Doffman,
Forbes,
12 Mar. 2025
-
The age of Western empire brought with it ambitious efforts by European states to organize and legitimate their imperial conquests in a system of international law.—
Fernanda Pirie,
Foreign Affairs,
19 Oct. 2021
Verb
-
Winning and placing high in any tournament on the PGA Tour is a prestigious honor, but many players are focused on qualifying for The Masters in the last few weeks leading into the first major of the season.—
Ron Estes,
MSNBC Newsweek,
29 Mar. 2025
-
Center back Michael Boxall scored the winning goal to qualify New Zealand for the 2026 World Cup.—
Andy Greder,
Twin Cities,
28 Mar. 2025
Verb
-
This safe and fast shave permits quick movement around the contours of the neck and jawline, where hairs are captured at multiple angles.—
Annie Blackman,
Allure,
27 Mar. 2025
-
Women were soon permitted entry into marathons and swimming races.—
Megan Feringa,
New York Times,
27 Mar. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Legitimize.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/legitimize. Accessed 6 Apr. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share