legitimize
verb
le·git·i·mize
li-ˈji-tə-ˌmīz 
legitimized; legitimizing
: to make legitimate : legitimate
Examples of legitimize in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Rather than rely on the police and the judiciary system, the state can resort to military action and legitimize international intervention.
—
Evandro Cruz Silva, The Dial, 10 Feb. 2026
Than gifting a young boy a Grammy as a way to legitimize his dreams of a profession in the creative arts?
—Taylor Crumpton, Time, 10 Feb. 2026
At the same time, the regime shamelessly exploits international sporting events to legitimize itself and whitewash its crimes.
—Benjamin Weinthal, FOXNews.com, 7 Feb. 2026
An early investment from Berkshire Hathaway helped legitimize the company abroad.
—Los Angeles Times, 6 Feb. 2026
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Evandro Cruz Silva, The Dial, 10 Feb. 2026
Than gifting a young boy a Grammy as a way to legitimize his dreams of a profession in the creative arts?
—Taylor Crumpton, Time, 10 Feb. 2026
At the same time, the regime shamelessly exploits international sporting events to legitimize itself and whitewash its crimes.
—Benjamin Weinthal, FOXNews.com, 7 Feb. 2026
An early investment from Berkshire Hathaway helped legitimize the company abroad.
—Los Angeles Times, 6 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for legitimize
Cite this Entry
“Legitimize.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/legitimize. Accessed 12 Feb. 2026.
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Legal Definition
legitimize
transitive verb
le·git·i·mize
lə-ˈji-tə-ˌmīz
legitimized; legitimizing
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