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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.
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 Maduro, who became President of Venezuela following Hugo Chavez’s death in 2013, was sworn in for a third term in January, despite widespread concern over the legitimacy of the country's election results. Olivia-Anne Cleary, Time, 5 Dec. 2025 Constance, for the most part, is a cartoon villain lent legitimacy by Anderson’s commanding presence (although anyone with an ear for accents won’t find her performance quite as convincing). Ben Travers, IndieWire, 4 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 8 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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