legitimacy

noun

le·​git·​i·​ma·​cy li-ˈji-tə-mə-sē How to pronounce legitimacy (audio)
Synonyms of legitimacynext
: the quality or state of being legitimate

Examples of legitimacy in a Sentence

the legitimacy of the military dictatorship was not recognized by most other nations
Recent Examples on the Web
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.
The United States does not recognize the legitimacy of Maduro’s government. Antonio María Delgado, Miami Herald, 13 Dec. 2025 The artifact was screen-matched and photo-matched, too, to confirm its legitimacy. Nicole Hoey, Robb Report, 10 Dec. 2025 Maduro survived predictions and ridicule, but along the way, Venezuela lost millions of inhabitants, 72% of its economy, democratic legitimacy in the eyes of much of the world, and many of its most important international allies. Inés Capdevila, CNN Money, 7 Dec. 2025 Maintaining the Makeover of the Century Sharaa's success in Washington has certainly afforded him greater legitimacy in his effort to usher Syria into a new era. Tom O'Connor, MSNBC Newsweek, 7 Dec. 2025 See All Example Sentences for legitimacy

Word History

First Known Use

1625, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of legitimacy was in 1625

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Legitimacy.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/legitimacy. Accessed 18 Dec. 2025.

Kids Definition

legitimacy

noun
le·​git·​i·​ma·​cy li-ˈjit-ə-mə-sē How to pronounce legitimacy (audio)
: the quality or state of being legitimate

Legal Definition

legitimacy

noun
le·​git·​i·​ma·​cy li-ˈji-tə-mə-sē How to pronounce legitimacy (audio)
: the quality or state of being legitimate

More from Merriam-Webster on legitimacy

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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