Definition of legalitynext
as in legitimacy
the quality or state of being legal the senator questioned the legality of the proposed surveillance operation

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Example Sentences

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.
Recent Examples of legality That prompted legal challenges, raised questions about its legality, and drew lawsuits from two Arizona residents claiming the lottery was a fraud. — Terrence O'Brien, The Verge, 17 Oct. 2026 The ruling immediately calls into question the legality of local fire fees in a handful of other Georgia counties. — David Wickert, AJC.com, 16 Oct. 2026 The legality of the ban remains the subject of a Supreme Court challenge. — Inaya Folarin Iman, CBS News, 15 Oct. 2026 Some attorneys questioned the legality of charging 18% interest, and most agreed that the higher rate would have to be disclosed in a contract to be legally enforceable. — Matthew Kelly, Kansas City Star, 12 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for legality
Recent Examples of Synonyms for legality
legitimacy
Noun
  • The executive also trumpeted the company’s legitimacy in all things cinema.
    — Miles Socha, Footwear News, 30 Oct. 2026
  • Netanyahu and Likud had challenged the legitimacy of the Arab parties' electoral gains.
    — Efrat Lachter, FOXNews.com, 29 Oct. 2026

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Legality.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/legality. Accessed 6 Nov. 2026.

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

More from Merriam-Webster