legitimately
adverb
le·git·i·mate·ly
li-ˈji-tə-mət-lē 
: in a legitimate manner : according to what is lawful, permitted, appropriate, or reasonable
money earned legitimately [=legally]
a question that can be legitimately asked
… objects of ritual significance that were common tribal property seldom if ever could have come legitimately into nontribal hands.—
Robert McC. Adams
Robert McC. AdamsThe other kind of steroids are the potent inflammation fighters widely and legitimately used to treat dozens of illnesses.—Paul G. Donohue
Paul G. Donohue… several objections to their book can legitimately be raised.—Christopher Lehmann-Haupt
Christopher Lehmann-HauptExamples of legitimately in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Spielberg deftly mixes in real-life post-9/11 anxiety to this end-of-the-world story to create something that feels legitimately apocalyptic.
—Tim Grierson, Vulture, 20 June 2025
Howard said extending the enhanced tax credits would help ensure that people who are legitimately eligible for coverage can get it.
—Daniel Chang, Miami Herald, 17 June 2025
If you're already bought into the Apple ecosystem with iPhones or iPads, MacBooks have several software features (such as AirDrop and Universal Control) that are legitimately convenient.
—Luke Larsen, Wired News, 15 June 2025
Perkins noted they can be used legitimately to protect commercially sensitive information or client confidentiality, but are open to abuse when used to restrict disclosures around employment issues.
—Jake Kanter, Deadline, 4 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for legitimately
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Tim Grierson, Vulture, 20 June 2025
Howard said extending the enhanced tax credits would help ensure that people who are legitimately eligible for coverage can get it.
—Daniel Chang, Miami Herald, 17 June 2025
If you're already bought into the Apple ecosystem with iPhones or iPads, MacBooks have several software features (such as AirDrop and Universal Control) that are legitimately convenient.
—Luke Larsen, Wired News, 15 June 2025
Perkins noted they can be used legitimately to protect commercially sensitive information or client confidentiality, but are open to abuse when used to restrict disclosures around employment issues.
—Jake Kanter, Deadline, 4 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for legitimately
Cite this Entry
“Legitimately.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/legitimately. Accessed 1 Jul. 2025.
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