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 quick Emmy success of these new entrants was part of a strategy that gave their offerings legitimacy not only with viewers, but the industry as a whole. Los Angeles Times, 1 June 2026 Successful organizations understand that profitability and legitimacy are not competing objectives. Britney Porter, Forbes.com, 1 June 2026 This time around, the ruling party has refrained from fielding candidates in more than two dozen constituencies, a move seen as strategic to open space for the opposition in parliament and boost the election’s legitimacy. Nimi Princewill, CNN Money, 31 May 2026 While DeGette has focused her comments on the need for humanitarian aid, Kiros has more directly criticized Israel and questioned its legitimacy as a state. Elliott Wenzler, Denver Post, 31 May 2026 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 5 Jun. 2026.

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

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