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
The Clarity Act, which would regulate and further legitimize digital assets, inched closer to passing after a senator pulled out of a contested amendment to the bill.
—
Carlos Garcia, Fortune, 27 Jan. 2026
The Goetz saga proved just how effectively narratives of crime, and outright misinformation, could be used to discredit government, justify inequality, and legitimize extrajudicial violence—all while claiming the mantle of common sense.
—Heather Ann Thompson, The Atlantic, 26 Jan. 2026
The Dons’ head coach was Todd Golden, who five years later won a national title with Florida and helped legitimize analytics in college basketball.
—Mark Zeigler, San Diego Union-Tribune, 19 Jan. 2026
Progressives have long argued — often rightly — that incendiary rhetoric from public officials can legitimize harassment, intimidation, and violence.
—David Moore, New York Daily News, 11 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for legitimize
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Carlos Garcia, Fortune, 27 Jan. 2026
The Goetz saga proved just how effectively narratives of crime, and outright misinformation, could be used to discredit government, justify inequality, and legitimize extrajudicial violence—all while claiming the mantle of common sense.
—Heather Ann Thompson, The Atlantic, 26 Jan. 2026
The Dons’ head coach was Todd Golden, who five years later won a national title with Florida and helped legitimize analytics in college basketball.
—Mark Zeigler, San Diego Union-Tribune, 19 Jan. 2026
Progressives have long argued — often rightly — that incendiary rhetoric from public officials can legitimize harassment, intimidation, and violence.
—David Moore, New York Daily News, 11 Jan. 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 31 Jan. 2026.
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Legal Definition
legitimize
transitive verb
le·git·i·mize
lə-ˈji-tə-ˌmīz
legitimized; legitimizing
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