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
Based on a true story, Sweeney transformed her body to play Christy Martin, who helped legitimize women’s boxing.
—
Pamela McClintock, HollywoodReporter, 8 Nov. 2025
Now the junta that ousted her seeks to hold sham polls in December to entrench and legitimize their rule.
—Kim Aris, Time, 7 Nov. 2025
Before Dred Scott The role of the Supreme Court in legitimizing slavery and embedding the narrative of racial hierarchy in the legal system long predated Dred Scott and continued long afterward.
—Equal Justice Initiative, USA Today, 6 Nov. 2025
Critics from across the political spectrum, including prominent Jewish leaders, condemned the discussion as legitimizing antisemitic and racist rhetoric.
—Gabe Whisnant, MSNBC Newsweek, 31 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for legitimize
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Pamela McClintock, HollywoodReporter, 8 Nov. 2025
Now the junta that ousted her seeks to hold sham polls in December to entrench and legitimize their rule.
—Kim Aris, Time, 7 Nov. 2025
Before Dred Scott The role of the Supreme Court in legitimizing slavery and embedding the narrative of racial hierarchy in the legal system long predated Dred Scott and continued long afterward.
—Equal Justice Initiative, USA Today, 6 Nov. 2025
Critics from across the political spectrum, including prominent Jewish leaders, condemned the discussion as legitimizing antisemitic and racist rhetoric.
—Gabe Whisnant, MSNBC Newsweek, 31 Oct. 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 10 Nov. 2025.
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Legal Definition
legitimize
transitive verb
le·git·i·mize
lə-ˈji-tə-ˌmīz
legitimized; legitimizing
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