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legitimize

verb

le·​git·​i·​mize li-ˈji-tə-ˌmīz How to pronounce legitimize (audio)
legitimized; legitimizing
Synonyms of legitimizenext

transitive verb

: to make legitimate : legitimate
legitimization
li-ˌji-tə-mə-ˈzā-shən How to pronounce legitimize (audio)
noun
legitimizer
li-ˈji-tə-ˌmī-zər How to pronounce legitimize (audio)
noun

Examples of legitimize in a Sentence

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.
On paper, Daphne and Eddie’s relationship was brief and lacked the connective tissue (DNA, legal documents) that might otherwise legitimize it. — Literary Hub, 10 Sep. 2026 The Peruvian system has a solid institutional foundation that was legitimized over time and is supported by the Peruvian public. — Steve H. Hanke, Fortune, 8 Sep. 2026 Those issues persist, even as the field has tried to further professionalize and legitimize itself. — Lauren Chan, STAT, 1 Sep. 2026 Arizona's recognition of the bolo legitimized the piece as more than a nontraditional tie. — Paige Moore, AZCentral.com, 31 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for legitimize

Word History

First Known Use

1646, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of legitimize was in 1646

Rhymes for legitimize

See All Rhymes for legitimize

Browse Nearby Words

legitimism
legitimize
legits
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Legitimize.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/legitimize. Accessed 16 Sep. 2026.

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Kids Definition

legitimize

verb
le·​git·​i·​mize li-ˈjit-ə-ˌmīz How to pronounce legitimize (audio)
legitimized; legitimizing
: legitimate entry 2

Legal Definition

legitimize

transitive verb
le·​git·​i·​mize lə-ˈji-tə-ˌmīz How to pronounce legitimize (audio)
legitimized; legitimizing
: legalize, legitimate

More from Merriam-Webster on legitimize

Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for legitimize

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