Examples of legitimacy in a Sentence
the legitimacy of the military dictatorship was not recognized by most other nations
Recent Examples on the Web
But insufficient attention has been paid to the rapid and, in certain cases, decisive loss of legitimacy—the quasi-magical element that helps any stable status quo command respect and defuse potentially explosive dissent.
—
Sean Williams, Harpers Magazine, 27 Jan. 2026
In an era where visibility is easy but legitimacy is rare, being verifiable is what separates influence from facade.
—Becca Brazil, Rolling Stone, 26 Jan. 2026
The very legitimacy of the Olympics was at stake, and an international investigation was launched.
—Natasha O'Neill, Vanity Fair, 26 Jan. 2026
This trend, combined with apparent political interference in investigative and prosecutorial decisions, undermines public trust, the legitimacy of our institutions, and the rule of law.
—Scott MacFarlane, CBS News, 26 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for legitimacy
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Sean Williams, Harpers Magazine, 27 Jan. 2026
In an era where visibility is easy but legitimacy is rare, being verifiable is what separates influence from facade.
—Becca Brazil, Rolling Stone, 26 Jan. 2026
The very legitimacy of the Olympics was at stake, and an international investigation was launched.
—Natasha O'Neill, Vanity Fair, 26 Jan. 2026
This trend, combined with apparent political interference in investigative and prosecutorial decisions, undermines public trust, the legitimacy of our institutions, and the rule of law.
—Scott MacFarlane, CBS News, 26 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for legitimacy
Cite this Entry
“Legitimacy.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/legitimacy. Accessed 2 Feb. 2026.
Copy CitationKids Definition
legitimacy
noun
le·git·i·ma·cy
li-ˈjit-ə-mə-sē 
: the quality or state of being legitimate
Legal Definition
legitimacy
noun
le·git·i·ma·cy
li-ˈji-tə-mə-sē
: the quality or state of being legitimate
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