legitimacy

noun

le·​git·​i·​ma·​cy li-ˈji-tə-mə-sē How to pronounce legitimacy (audio)
: 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.
That legitimacy is forever out of reach. Rochelle Ratkaj, Rolling Stone, 3 Oct. 2025 Gerl, pointing to online speculation about the legitimacy of the text messages released by federal law enforcement, said that such doubts, even if unproven, could complicate the prosecution’s narrative. Sarah Rumpf-Whitten, FOXNews.com, 2 Oct. 2025 That timing hasn’t been lost on the festival’s critics, who say the high-profile American comics are lending legitimacy to a government that represses dissent, jails activists and restricts free speech. Liam Reilly, CNN Money, 2 Oct. 2025 Given everything said above, this game would go a long way toward bolstering the legitimacy of Tampa Bay’s bid as a contender. J.j. Bailey, New York Times, 2 Oct. 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 7 Oct. 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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