as in lawfulness
the quality or state of being legal
the legitimacy of the military dictatorship was not recognized by most other nations
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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of legitimacy
Structural competition is a prerequisite for democratic legitimacy and may help restore participation.
—
The Editorial Board, Chicago Tribune, 1 Mar. 2026
White militia service became a pathway to status, land claims, and civic legitimacy.
—Ed Gaskin, Boston Herald, 1 Mar. 2026
These tools empower users to research unknown contacts, confirming their legitimacy or lack thereof before having to engage.
—Daniel Fusch, USA Today, 26 Feb. 2026
Delgado’s public association with charities led him to trust Goliath’s legitimacy, records show.
—Silas Morgan, The Orlando Sentinel, 25 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for legitimacy
The Editorial Board, Chicago Tribune, 1 Mar. 2026
White militia service became a pathway to status, land claims, and civic legitimacy.
—Ed Gaskin, Boston Herald, 1 Mar. 2026
These tools empower users to research unknown contacts, confirming their legitimacy or lack thereof before having to engage.
—Daniel Fusch, USA Today, 26 Feb. 2026
Delgado’s public association with charities led him to trust Goliath’s legitimacy, records show.
—Silas Morgan, The Orlando Sentinel, 25 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for legitimacy
Recent Examples of Synonyms for legitimacy
Noun
-
The petitions are not contesting removal orders, only the lawfulness of detaining the noncitizen plaintiffs during those proceedings.—
Tasha Carvell,
Twin Cities,
3 Feb. 2026
-
The lawfulness of an order would be determined by a military judge.—
Charles Selle,
Chicago Tribune,
21 Jan. 2026
Noun
-
While the court allowed the referendum to move forward, their ruling did not comment on the amendment's legality.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
4 Mar. 2026
-
The choice was between cautious legality and moral certitude, and a brazen but singularly effective sudden strike.—
U T Readers,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
3 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Legitimacy.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/legitimacy. Accessed 7 Mar. 2026.
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