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
His stamp of approval seemingly legitimizes the greatest promise of generative AI—to push the frontier of human knowledge and civilization.
—
Matteo Wong, The Atlantic, 24 Feb. 2026
Legalized prostitution enables and legitimizes the degradation of human beings, especially women who make up the majority of prostitutes.
—Krista Kafer, Denver Post, 24 Feb. 2026
That legitimizes it a little bit.
—Paul Sullivan, Chicago Tribune, 21 Feb. 2026
That includes Prime Minister Han Duck-soo, who received a 23-year prison sentence for attempting to legitimize the decree by forcing it through a Cabinet Council meeting, falsifying records and lying under oath.
—CBS News, 19 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for legitimize
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Matteo Wong, The Atlantic, 24 Feb. 2026
Legalized prostitution enables and legitimizes the degradation of human beings, especially women who make up the majority of prostitutes.
—Krista Kafer, Denver Post, 24 Feb. 2026
That legitimizes it a little bit.
—Paul Sullivan, Chicago Tribune, 21 Feb. 2026
That includes Prime Minister Han Duck-soo, who received a 23-year prison sentence for attempting to legitimize the decree by forcing it through a Cabinet Council meeting, falsifying records and lying under oath.
—CBS News, 19 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 26 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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